CHATHAM, Ontario, June 16, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Dave Van Kesteren, Member of Parliament (Chatham-Kent-Essex), today announced funding for the Centre Communautaire de Chatham-Kent La Girouette.
This support will help the Centre carry out its French-language cultural and social programming for the Chatham-Kent community. The Centre offers a variety of sport, educational, and cultural activities for adults, youth, and children. The cultural programming showcases Franco-Ontarian artists, as well as artists from the rest of French-speaking Canada.
"Our Government is taking concrete steps to promote and protect our linguistic duality, and we are proud to support Francophone organizations in French-speaking Ontario," said Minister Moore. "Organizations like the Centre Communautaire de Chatham-Kent La Girouette help strengthen the cultural vitality of Ontario's Francophone communities."
"So many of us have taken part in one of the Centre Communautaire's numerous activities," said Mr. Van Kesteren. "I am proud that our Government's support will assist the Centre as it continues its work for our community."
"The Centre Communautaire de Chatham-Kent La Girouette would like to thank the Government of Canada," said Bernard Tremblay, President of the Centre Communautaire de Chatham-Kent La Girouette. "Our activities help enhance the vitality of the Francophone community in Chatham-Kent, and the financial assistance from the federal government will enable us to continue to expand our activities."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $15,000 under the Development of Official-Language Communities Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program aims to enhance the vitality of Canada's official-language minority communities and enable them to fully participate in all aspects of Canadian life.
Information:
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
