MONTREAL, May 19, 2005 -- President of the Queen's Privy Council, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Member of Parliament (Westmount--Ville-Marie) Lucienne Robillard, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $90,000 in funding for the Paul Gérin-Lajoie Foundation in support of the Dictée P.G.L."The Dictée P.G.L. represents a unique opportunity for Canada's young Francophones and Francophiles to improve their written French," said Minister Robillard. "I wish to extend my heartiest congratulations to all the young people who took part in the Dictée and qualified for the international grand finale to be held in Montreal.""The Government of Canada is proud to support this project that, for more than 15 years, has promoted the French language across Canada and around the world," added Minister Frulla. "The Dictée P.G.L. is also a fun way for children to learn more about this wonderful language and what is happening elsewhere in the world."The Dictée P.G.L. is designed for elementary school students from Kindergarten to Grade 8, in Francophone and French-immersion classes. The project has two main objectives: enhancing young people's knowledge of French, and drawing their attention to international realities. Last year, about 200,000 students from Canada's 13 provinces and territories took part in the Dictée. They were joined by 82,000 student participants from the United States, Ha?ti and Senegal.The Dictée's international grand finale will take place in Montreal on May 21. The three winners will be chosen in each of two categories: "Francophone classes" and "French-immersion classes."Financial assistance is provided by the Government of Canada through the Minority-Language Education component of its Enhancement of Official Languages Program.Funding for these projects was provided for in the February 2005 federal Budget.Information:Jean-Philippe CôtéDirector of Communications Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women (819) 997-7788Nathalie DallaireSpecial AssistantConstituency Office(514) 283-2013Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
