The Government of Canada Increases Support for Official-Language Minority Communities in New Brunswick Through the Action Plan for Official Languages

News release

NEW BRUNSWICK, May 5, 2021

The Government of Canada is continuing to support its network of partners in order to enhance the vitality of official-language minority communities, while also contributing to innovation and excellence.

Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (FedDev Ontario and Official Languages), today reaffirmed the Government of Canada’s support for 21 organizations in New Brunswick with an investment of more than $3.78 million in 2020–2021. That represents a 33-percent increase in funding provided directly to the province’s organizations so they can play a greater role in maintaining the vitality of New Brunswick’s Acadian and Francophone community. She made announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages.

Parliamentary Secretary Lalonde also pointed out that thanks to the Action Plan for Official Languages, RADARTS will be added to the list of New Brunswick organizations receiving funding under the Cooperation with the Community Sector component of Canadian Heritage’s Development of Official-Language Communities Program.

Quotes

“Official-language communities in Canada are part of the very fabric of our country. They include many small, passionate community organizations that work tirelessly to ensure the sustainability and vitality of our Francophone population. Our government is proud to support their ongoing efforts and their commitment to our bilingual future.”

—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages

“In every part of Canada, official-language minority communities are working to keep their language and culture relevant, strong and thriving. Community organizations play a vital role in Canada’s bilingual future by providing leadership and direction, and ensuring access to services, resources, and cultural and language activities.”

—Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (FedDev Ontario and Official Languages)

“The Conseil provincial des sociétés culturelles and its 18 member organizations across New Brunswick acknowledge the Government of Canada’s positive support in helping us carry out our mission of action and cultural development in the province’s Francophone communities. This funding will allow us to achieve tangible results in creativity and innovation, adapted to the health situation. This will also allow us to continue with the actions outlined in our annual program adjusted to our three-year strategic plan, which has been affected by the pandemic and is being reviewed.”

—Ghislaine Foulem, Chair of the Conseil provincial des sociétés culturelles

Quick facts

  • The Action Plan for Official Languages 2018–2023: Investing in Our Future outlines the Government of Canada’s overall vision for establishing a strong Canadian Francophonie and supporting official-language minority communities

  • The Action Plan proposes an unprecedented investment of $2.7 billion over five years, including $500 million in new funding, to support official-language minority communities and promote bilingualism across the country. It is made up of three pillars: Strengthening Our Communities; Strengthening Access to Services; and Promoting a Bilingual Canada.

  • On February 19, in the document English and French: Towards a substantive equality of official languages in Canada, Minister Joly unveiled the Government of Canada’s intentions to modernize and strengthen the Official Languages Act and related instruments. This document proposes a range of changes and new measures to achieve a new linguistic balance in the country.

  • Canadian Heritage’s Official Languages Support Programs promote French and English in Canadian society and enhance the vitality of English- and French-speaking minority communities.

  • There are official-language minority communities in every province and territory, each with its own specific realities and needs.

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Contacts

For more information (media only), please contact:

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
catherine.mounier-desrochers@canada.ca
613-295-3617

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca

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