OTTAWA, June 5, 2008 - Ottawa's Francophone community will be able to take part in cultural activities for young people and enjoy the new season of Théâtre Action performances, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.
Pierre Lemieux, Parliamentary Secretary for Official Languages and Member of Parliament (Glengarry-Prescott-Russell), today announced funding for the Théâtre Action organization. Mr. Lemieux made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie.
Théâtre Action will receive total funding of $116,900. This includes $42,000 for its "Table Jeunesse au Théâtre" project--offering educational and cultural activities geared to involving young Franco-Ontarians--as well as $74,900 for its 2008-2009 programming.
"The Government of Canada is committed to promoting the development of minority official-language communities," said Minister Verner. "Théâtre Action encourages Franco-Ontarians to participate in community life, while helping them to become more familiar with their cultural heritage."
"Our Government is proud to assist an organization that encourages participation of young Francophones, while contributing to the growth of their community and raising the profile of the French language in Canada," added Mr. Lemieux.
"This funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage is, above all, assurance that Théâtre Action will be able to carry out a project that we are committed to and that expands our mission to ensure the ongoing promotion of all sectors of the Franco-Ontarian theatre community," said Richard J. Léger, Chair of Théâtre Action. "With its contribution, Canadian Heritage is helping provide several Francophone secondary school students in Ontario's with a chance to get actively involved in cultural and community life by developing leadership in high school theatre."
The Government of Canada has provided part of the funding under the Development of Official-Language Communities Program. This program seeks to promote the development of Canada's French- and English-speaking minority communities and to help them take full part in all aspects of Canadian life.
The rest of the funding comes from the additional $30 million allocated over two years, announced by the Government of Canada in its 2007 budget to support minority official-language communities and linguistic duality.
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
