PENETANGUISHENE, Ontario, June 22, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Bruce Stanton, Member of Parliament (Simcoe North), today announced funding for the Francophone cultural association La Clé d'la Baie en Huronie.
This support will help La Clé d'la Baie en Huronie carry out its French-language cultural and social programming for the Francophone community in Simcoe County. In addition to providing a range of French-language services, the organization manages the French activity centre, the Association canadienne française de l'Ontario (ACFO) in the region, and the Francophone multi-service centre in Simcoe County.
"Our Government is taking concrete action to promote and protect Canada's linguistic duality, and we recognize the important role that La Clé d'la Baie en Huronie plays within this community," said Minister Moore. "We are proud to support the Francophone organizations in Ontario that contribute to the well-being of this region."
"I am very pleased to see the continuing support provided by our Government to La Clé d'la Baie," said Mr. Stanton. "I know it is important for our community to ensure that we can continue to access French-language programs and services."
"Without the support of the Government of Canada, La Clé d'la Baie en Huronie would not be able to offer this wide range of services to the Francophone community in Simcoe County," said Peter Hominuk, Executive Director, La Clé d'la Baie en Huronie. "This support allows Francophones in our region to access quality services and cultural products in French that they would otherwise not have the opportunity to experience."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $113,000 under the Community Life Component of the Development of Official-Language Communities Program. This program of the Department of Canadian Heritage 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
