YELLOWKNIFE, February 3, 2005 -- Minister of State (Northern Development) and Member of Parliament (Western Arctic) Ethel Blondin-Andrew, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $298,810 in funding for seven organizations that offer services to Francophone communities in the Northwest Territories.The following organizations will receive funding:La Fédération Franco-TéNOise: $229,810L'Association culturelle de Hay River: $9,000Les Éditions franco-ténoises/L'Aquilon: $10,000La Garderie Plein Soleil: $12,000L'Association des francophones du Delta du Mackenzie: $7,000L'Association franco-culturelle de Yellowknife: $22,000L'Association des francophones de Fort Smith: $9,000"These organizations play a key role in helping the Francophone communities spread across this vast region to stay connected with one another," said Minister Blondin-Andrew. "By working together to offer essential services to Francophones, we help ensure the development and the dynamism of these official-language communities living in a minority situation.""The Government of Canada is deeply interested in the future of Francophone communities across the country," added Minister Frulla. "By supporting the efforts of these organizations, we help provide Francophone communities in the North with the resources they need to ensure their continued economic, social, and cultural development."Funding announced today will allow the organizations to better meet the needs of Francophone communities in the Northwest Territories. Projects will be put in place to improve access to services in French, to highlight the history and culture of Francophones in the Northwest Territories, and to offer literacy programs and advanced courses in French.Financial support is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Official-Language Community Development program, which helps provide official-language communities living in minority situations with the necessary resources to ensure their full participation in our country's economic, cultural, and social life.Funding for these projects was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget.Information:Jean-Philippe CôtéDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage andMinister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788Jackie ThorneChief of StaffOffice of the Minister of State (Northern Development)(819) 997-0002 Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
