Government of Canada Supports Four Francophone Groups in Prince Edward Island
SUMMERSIDE, September 7, 2004 -- Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Member of Parliament (Egmont) Joe McGuire, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Liza Frulla, today announced funding of $86,000 to four Francophone groups. The funding will help the groups continue to ensure the development of Acadian and Francophone communities in Prince Edward Island."The partnership between the Government of Canada and Acadian and Francophone groups allows Acadian and Francophone communities in Prince Edward Island to flourish and to take pride in their rich culture," said Minister McGuire. "These communities must be able to pass this heritage on to future generations and to ensure that they will have access to services and activities in French."
"Strong and dynamic communities make Canada a strong country," added Minister Frulla. "The Government of Canada is committed to encouraging the development of Francophone communities. This funding will help Acadian and Francophone organizations in Prince Edward Island strengthen and promote their heritage, for the benefit of the entire community."
The following organizations will receive funding:
Jeunesse Acadienne ($66,000)
- to organize sport events and cultural activities to improve links between young Francophones in various areas of the province and to create community awareness of the importance of giving a voice to youth.
- to offer workshops on job search, leadership and entrepreneurship
La Belle-Alliance ($11,000)
- to promote Acadian and Francophone culture in the Summerside-Miscouche area through various community and cultural activities
- to conduct a survey to determine community needs and thus ensure greater community involvement
La Voix Acadienne ($4,500)
- to help improve its media coverage in the Acadian and Francophone areas of the province, particularly in the context of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Acadia.
- to archive information for research and educational purposes.
La Fédération des parents de l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard ($4,500)
- to develop tools to assist the community in its efforts to learn French
- to organize a networking symposium for parents
Financial support is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage under the Canada-Prince Edward Island-Acadian Community Agreement of the Official Languages Support Programs. The goal of these five-year agreements (1999-2004) is to support the development of official-language communities living in minority situations.
This funding supports the Official Languages Action Plan, announced in March 2003, which reaffirmed the Government of Canada's commitment to our country's linguistic duality.
Funding for this project was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.
Information:
Donald Boulanger
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Ron Crozier
A/Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of ACOA
(902) 888-4150
Claudine Daigle
Communications
Canadian Heritage
(506) 851-3980
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