EDMONTON, September 4, 2008 - Francophone theatre professionals in Western Canada will have the opportunity to gain new experience and attend administration workshops, thanks to support from the Government of Canada.
Rahim Jaffer, Member of Parliament (Edmonton-Strathcona), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific Gateway) (2010 Olympics) (Official Languages), today announced funding for the Association des compagnies de théâtr e de l'Ouest (
ACTO
).
Funding of $57,000 will be used by
ACTO
for two training initiatives for theatre professionals. The first project is designed for young theatre professionals, who will be given the opportunity to gain new experience in o ne facet of the theatre (acting, stage management, set design, or other) with a Western theatre company based in a province other than their province of residence. The second project is aimed at theatre artistic directors and general managers, who will ha ve the opportunity to attend administration workshops.
"Prime Minister Stephen Harper and our government are committed to ensuring the prosperity of minority Francophone and Anglophone communities and to recognizing the importance of linguis tic duality as an economic, social, and cultural asset for all Canadians," said Secretary of State Moore.
"This announcement demonstrates our Government's determination to strengthen the Francophone character of Alberta and to contribute to the vitality and growth of Francophones," said
Mr
. Jaffer.
"The Association des compagnies de théâtre de l'Ouest works to develop French-language theatre in Western Canada, with a focus on the training of theatre artists," said D enis Rouleau, President of the Association des compagnies de théâtre de l'Ouest. "This new funding will help artists move from one theatre company to another and provide them with opportunities to gain additional experience. It will also help us to expand the base of Francophone artists in the West."
The Government of Canada has provided this funding under the Department of Canadian Heritage's Official Languages Support Program, Cooperation with the Community Sector. By encouragi ng 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:
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Secretary of State
(Asia-Pacific Gateway)
(2010 Olympics)
(Official Languages)
819 956-4000
deird ra_mccracken@pch.gc.ca Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604 666-6504
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
1 866 569-6155
