Government of Canada Supports Network of Francophone Community Radio Stations
OTTAWA, December 17, 1998 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today announced the Government of Canada will contribute more than $1.1 million toward the creation of a new satellite network for the community radio stations of the Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada (ARC). The department of Canadian Heritage will contribute $900,000 over the next two years for the creation of the network.
This new service will provide unique programming which the ARC's 18 French-language community radio stations, and the seven other stations being developed, will be able to use in addition to their own programming, as well as a national news service focussed on the needs of the Francophone and Acadian communities. The ARC will begin building the network in December 1998 and expects it to be operational for the Summit of La Francophonie, in Moncton, in September 1999.
"Participation in this partnership demonstrates the Government of Canada's willingness to ensure that the Francophone and Acadian communities in this country have the necessary tools to ensure their development and their presence," said Ms. Copps. "The satellite broadcasting technology will ensure the Francophone community in Canada is open to all the member-countries of our international Francophone community."
Human Resources Development Canada will contribute $288,370 through the Jobs Creation Partnership program to create nine positions for Employment Insurance recipients.
Funding for this project was provided for in the February 1998 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information:
Catherine Gagnaire
Communications Assistant
Office of the Minister
of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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