Minister Copps Says the Government of Canada Supports the Minority Official-Language Communities
OTTAWA, November 16, 1999 -- In response to the report tabled by Senator Jean-Maurice Simard on the development and vitality of the Francophone and Acadian communities, the Honourable Sheila Copps, Minister of Canadian Heritage, reiterated the Government of Canada's commitment to the minority official-language communities."Our linguistic duality has been an integral part of our collective identity since the beginnings of our history and, at the end of the millennium, is a measure of success and prosperity," said Minister Copps. "Francophones in Canada have established educational and cultural institutions, networks and businesses now globally recognized. They contribute to Canada's economic, cultural and social vitality, and the Government intends to continue to support their development."
In February 1999, the Government announced an increase of $350 million over five years in the budgets for official languages support programs, a one-third increase in the allocated amounts and an all-time high. This money is a sign of the Government's commitment with regard to Francophones, as indicated by the following examples:
--$75 million will be invested over the next five years in direct support to the communities and the establishment of a new interdepartmental partnership initiative.
--The federal contributions for minority-language education and second-language instruction are increasing by $250 million over five years, and support for the delivery of provincial and territorial services in the minority language by $20 million over five years.
Moreover, the Government of Canada's close cooperation with the provincial and territorial governments and minority communities made it possible to create the necessary structures for Francophone school governance in ten provinces and territories. For example, Ontario alone will receive $90 million over five years to allow young Francophones in that province to study in their mother tongue.
In addition to the national initiatives, there are a number of activities related to promotion, community development and federal-provincial/territorial cooperation in every province and territory.
"Since the proclamation of the Official Languages Act, minority Francophones have made considerable progress, especially in the area of education," added the Minister. "Thirty years ago, there were hardly any French-language schools outside Quebec. Today, not only are there a number of schools in every province and territory, but the parents are overseeing their governance. We are aware of the challenges the communities face, and in partnership with them, the Government of Canada will continue to promote their development. We know how far they have come and we recognize their efforts to root the French reality in Canada."
Information :
Catherine Gagnaire
Communications Assistant
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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