SASKATOON, July 16, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament (Saskatoon-Wanuskewin), today announced funding for the Association jeunesse fransaskoise.
This funding will help the Association produce "Francofièvre," a show featuring 11- to 18-year-olds from Saskatchewan's French and French immersion schools, as well as "Fête fransaskoise - On s'regaroche à Batoche," a show featuring Saskatchewan artists.
"This funding not only demonstrates our Government's commitment to linguistic duality and the vitality of official-language minority communities, it also shows our commitment to our arts and culture," said Minister Moore.
"I am proud that our Government is supporting this organization, which allows young people in Saskatchewan to attend dynamic arts events in French," said Mr. Vellacott. "This will be a wonderful chance for our young people to come together and share in an enriching experience, and an opportunity for our artists to showcase their passions."
The Government of Canada has provided $70,000 in funding under Canadian Heritage's Enhancement of Official Languages Program and Development of Official-Language Communities Program. Like the Roadmap for Canada's Linguistic Duality 2008-2013: Acting for the Future, support for this organization reiterates the Government of Canada's commitment to linguistic duality and the vitality of official-language minority communities. The Roadmap is an unprecedented government-wide investment of $1.1 billon over five years.
This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the adoption of Canada's Official Languages Act.
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
