PEACE RIVER, Alberta, July 9, 2008 - Residents of the Francophone community of Rivière-la-Paix will benefit from enriched French-language programs, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.
Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament (Peace River), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific Gateway) (2010 Olympics) (Official Languages), today announced funding for the Association canadienne française de l'Alberta - Régionale de Rivière-la-Paix.
Funding of $100,000 will be used to fund the 2008-2009 programs of the Association, which is dedicated to enhancing the vitality of the Francophone community. Among other initiatives, the Association plans to develop the programming of CKRP-FM community radio to better serve the needs of the community and establish a summer camp for Francophone in the region.
"The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring the prosperity of minority Francophone and Anglophone communities and to recognizing the importance of linguistic duality as an economic, social and cultural asset for all Canadians," said Secretary of State Moore.
"This announcement demonstrates that the Government of Canada is proud to support regional francophone communities in their commitment and determination to strengthen the vitality and growth of their community" said Mr. Warkentin.
"We are very grateful to Canadian Heritage for its financial support. This funding will allow us to ensure the stability and continuity of Francophone representation in our region," said Nicole Beaudoin, Administrator for the Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta - Régionale de Rivière-la-Paix. "It will also allow us to support our region's Francophone community in its ongoing efforts to enhance its presence and to improve its partnerships."
Government of Canada funding for these initiatives will come from the Department of Canadian Heritage's Official Languages Support Program, Cooperation with the Community Sector. By encouraging innovation and excellence, this program supports the commitment of community organizations and reinforces their ability to take action towards making measurable gains in long-term community development.
Information:
Katie Locke
Director of Communications and Parliamentary Affairs,
Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific Gateway) (2010 Olympics)
(Official Languages)
819 997-7788
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager,
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604 666-6504
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
1 866 569-6155
