About HRSDC | Our Offices | Programs & Services | A-Z Index June 8, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 05-43 WHITEHORSE, YUKON - The Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of State (Human Resources Development), today announced funding of $352,503 for the Association franco-yukonnaise. This funding comes from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada's new Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities. "The Government of Canada recognizes how essential the support of the Association franco-yukonnaise is to the development of the Francophone community in Yukon," said Minister Bradshaw. "This funding will unquestionably contribute to the economic development of this community by supporting the process of networking and partnership-building with the territorial government and entrepreneurs." The Association franco-yukonnaise's mission is to improve the quality of life in French for Francophones who live in Yukon by implementing activities in these major sectors: adult education, economic development, culture, communications, promotion of services in French, representation, youth, and senior citizens. It is the only Francophone organization in Yukon with a mandate to act in the area of economic development. This funding will also be used to maintain and contribute to economic growth, job creation and job retention in official language minority communities, as well as for community capacity building and human resources development. The new fund, announced March 23, 2005 by Minister 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 across 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 these 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
