REGINA, September 10, 2004 -- Twenty-one organizations that work within the Francophone community in Saskatchewan will benefit from significant Government of Canada funding. Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament (Wascana) Ralph Goodale today announced $1,603,600 in funding, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Liza Frulla."The Francophone community in Saskatchewan contributes considerably to the economic, social and cultural vitality of our province," said Minister Goodale. "Francophones have opened schools and community centres, performance halls and theatres throughout Saskatchewan. They have established newspapers and radio stations, started up new businesses and created jobs. Their energy and determination benefit the entire society, and I am pleased that they will have the means to continue to develop.""Across the country, the quality of life of Francophones living in minority situations depends directly on the services that are available to them in their first language," said Minister Frulla. "The Government of Canada must continue to provide these communities with the tools they need to contribute to society and to allow the French language and culture to flourish in all parts of Canada."These funds will enable organizations that represent the Francophone community in Saskatchewan to deliver services, encourage community development and highlight the particular culture of Francophones in Saskatchewan. The scope of projects extends to matters of education, economy, culture, communication, health, sports and leisure, home life, spirituality and politics. Many projects are particularly aimed at young people, who represent the future of the community.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the CanadaÑCommunity Agreements of the Official Languages Support Programs. These agreements support the development of official-language communities living in minority situations (Francophones outside Quebec and Anglophones in Quebec).Funding for these initiatives was provided for in the March 2004 budget.A backgrounder is attached.Information:Donald BoulangerPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage(819) 997-7788 Pat BrettonPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Finance(613) 996-3225Chantal AlarieA/ManagerOfficial Languages ProgramCanadian Heritage(306) 975-6745 BACKGROUNDER The Government of Canada supports official-language communities living in minority situations (Francophones outside Quebec and Anglophones in Quebec) through the Canada-Community Agreements on official languages, whose goal is to encourage their vitality and foster their development. Funding provided under these Agreements help create and support organizations that allow official-language communities to fully contribute to Canada's economic, cultural and social life. The Agreements allow the communities to set their own development priorities and to ensure the best possible use of funds. Organizations to receive funding in 2004-05: Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise: $334,000 Association canadienne-française de Regina: $93,300Association jeunesse fransaskoise: $100,500Association des parents fransaskois: $103,500 Association communautaire francophone de Bellegarde: $59,500Association culturelle de Bellevue: $64,000Conseil culturel fransaskois: $90,000Comité culturel fransaskois de Debden: $43,000Fédération des francophones de Saskatoon: $99,300Association communautaire fransaskoise de Gravelbourg: $72,700Auvergnois de Ponteix: $59,500La Société canadienne-française de Prince Albert: $96,300Association communautaire fransaskoise de la Trinité: $55,000 Association fransaskoise de Zenon Park: $54,500Troupe du Jour: $45,000Société historique de la Saskatchewan: $34,500Fédération des aînés fransaskois: $40,000Association Coeur Franc de St-Louis: $25,000Centre communautaire fransaskois de Domremy: $22,000Association communautaire fransaskoise de Moose Jaw: $60,000Association des loisirs et centre culturel de North Battleford: $52,000
