OTTAWA, June 2, 2008 -- Residents and visitors in the nation's capital will be able to attend performances by Francophone artists from Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, France, and Belgium, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada.
Pierre Lemieux, Parliamentary Secretary for Official Languages and Member of Parliament (Glengarry-Prescott-Russell), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for the Festival franco-ontarien.
The Festival will receive total funding of $145,000. This includes $70,000 to help organize the 33rd edition of the Festival, which will take place from June 13 to 15, 2008, in Ottawa's Festival Plaza. Another $75,000 will go to "Spectacle concept: 400 ans de complicité," a unique celebration of the 400th anniversary of Québec City, during which performers from French-speaking countries around the world will gather in Ottawa to celebrate Francophone culture.
"I applaud the work of this dynamic organization," said Minister Verner. "The Government of Canada is proud to support festivals that encourage the presence and development of Francophone culture by supporting performing arts presentations."
"Our Government supports the important work undertaken by this organization and we are delighted to be able to provide tangible help," said Mr. Lemieux. "This funding is one of many ways in which we are supporting Francophone organizations within our communities."
"The Festival franco-ontarien is the annual meeting-place for all Francophones and Francophiles in the National Capital Region, a place where French-language culture is front and centre," said Sébastien Lorquet, Chair of the Festival. "Canadian Heritage contributes to the development and the continuity of this festival, which is unique to Canada."
The Festival franco-ontarien will present professional-calibre performances by Francophone artists in various genres. The planned programming includes contemporary and world music, comedy, street performances and children's shows.
The Government of Canada has provided the funding under the Arts Presentation Canada Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie
819 997-7788
Maya Kane
Regional Communications Manager
Ontario Region
Canadian Heritage
416 954-6615
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
