Agreement Between Minority Francophone Communities and the Federal Government
Ottawa, February 9, 1996 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today signed an agreement with the representatives of national organizations that oversee the associations working in minority Francophone communities across the country. This agreement is the culmination of efforts by the federal government, begun a year and a half ago to promote a comprehensive approach to funding and long-term planning of community development projects.Similar agreements were signed last year with representatives of the Francophone communities in seven provinces and territories and with Quebec's Anglophone community.
"This type of agreement is unquestionably one of the best tools at our disposal to prove that supporting Francophone communities is a real investment that benefits all Canadians," said Ms. Copps. "Linguistic duality is a reality in Canada, and the Francophone communities are a resource we can use in building a better Canada".
The four-year agreement is worth $11.8 million. The funds will be divided among eighteen organizations directly involved in defending the rights and promoting the development of Francophone communities across the country. In most cases, these national organizations are federations of provincial and local organizations working in various sectors, such as education, the economy and cultural development. This new multi-year funding method will encourage the various organizations to co-operate in establishing joint development priorities and thereby make the most effective use of the government's financial assistance.
Funding for this project was provided for in the February 1995 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. This initiative is an example of how this government is prioritizing its spending so that it can better serve Canadians by making efficient use of their tax dollars.
Information:
Duncan Dee
Press Secretary
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Alain Garceau
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 994-4239
[ Media Room ]
