Government of Canada Supports L'association Canadienne-française de L'ontario - Conseil Régional Hamilton
HAMILTON, September 17, 2004 -- Member of Parliament (Hamilton EastÑStoney Creek) Tony Valeri, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Liza Frulla, today announced $43,910 in funding for the Association canadienne-française de l'Ontario - Régionale Hamilton to help establish a community centre in the Hamilton area."The French language and culture are essential components of our Canadian identity," said Mr. Valeri. "The Government of Canada is proud to support organizations like the Association canadienne-française de l'Ontario, which contribute to the development of Francophone communities across the province, including in the Greater Hamilton-Wentworth."
"Linguistic duality is one of the foundations of our country that dates from its beginnings, and it is synonymous with success and prosperity in our modern world," said Minister Frulla. "Today's announcement demonstrates the will of our Government to give official-language communities in minority situations the means to play a key role in our society."
L'Association Canadienne-Française de l'Ontario Ñ Régionale Hamilton, in partnership with various local Francophone organizations, will establish a community centre in the Hamilton area. The centre will be a place for Francophones to congregate and obtain services and information in their language.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage under the Canada-Community Agreements of the Official-Language Support Programs. The goal of these five-year agreements (1999-2004) is to support the development of official-language communities living in a minority situation.
Funding for this initiative was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget.
Information:
Donald Boulanger
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Christina Van Loon
Press Secretary
Office of Tony Valeri
(613) 952-4930
Saoirse Carson
Communications
Canadian Heritage
(416) 973-5400
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