About HRSDC | Our Offices | Programs & Services | A-Z Index June 8, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 05-42 WHITEHORSE, YUKON-The Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of State (Human Resources Development), today announced funding of $1,897,420 for the Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité Canada (RDÉE Canada) network. This funding comes from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada's new Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities. "The Government of Canada is determined to offer the right tools and support to communities in order to increase their potential, strengthen their human resources development, reinforce their capacity and promote their working population," said Minister of State Bradshaw. "To build the country's future success, we must ensure the participation of everyone, including official language minority communities. These communities and the Government of Canada are working together with an exemplary spirit of co-operation." RDÉE Canada is responsible for implementing the National Committee of Economic Development and Employability's strategic planning. This planning is mainly intended to support organizations that are involved in economic development and employability issues in Francophone and Acadian communities. The network's main activities receive support through a contribution agreement. The objectives of this network are to maximize the potential of Francophone and Acadian communities and to offer them various services to create business ventures and long-term employment. RDÉE has offices in all provinces and territories outside Québec. This funding will also be used to maintain and reinforce partnerships with RDÉE Canada's national network, implement joint initiatives and share best practices. The new fund, announced March 23, 2005 by Minister of State Bradshaw and the Honourable Mauril Bélanger, Minister responsible for Official Languages, will receive $12 million a year over three years for official language minority communities in Canada. It was created to ensure a more horizontal and longer-term support to community capacity building in the areas of human resources and economic development for those communities. The Enabling Fund is a component of the new Partnership Initiative for Community Economic Development in Official Language Minority Communities. This initiative will ensure increased horizontality by having the Privy Council Office (PCO) co-chair the Joint National Committees. It will also make it possible for investments to be focussed on local activities, and increase the Fund's scope. Moreover, the Fund is the first and only federal program directly linked to PCO's Horizontal Results-Based Management Accountability Framework as it relates to the Action Plan for Official Languages, and will be reviewed during the government-wide evaluation of the Action Plan for Official Languages in 2008. Funding for this initiative was provided for in the 2005 federal Budget. This initiative complies with all departmental administrative rules governing grants and contributions and with the provisions of the Financial Administration Act. It is also subject to reviews to ensure compliance with the objectives of the program. - 30 - For more information (media only): Media Relations Office Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (819) 994-5559
