SASKATOON, July 20, 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 Fédération des francophones de Saskatoon and Fédération des aînés fransaskois. This funding will assist the organizations with their 2009-2011 programming.
"Our Government is proud to support organizations that raise the visibility of Francophone culture and contributions to our society through promotion and outreach activities," said Minister Moore. "We recognize that linguistic duality is a characteristic of this country and a source of cultural enrichment."
"I congratulate the Fédération des francophones de Saskatoon and the Fédération des aînés fransaskois on the outstanding services they provide and the results they achieve year after year," said Mr. Vellacott. "Our Government is committed to supporting the vitality of this province's Francophone communities."
The Fédération des Francophones de Saskatoon, incorporated in 1983, plays a key role in developing and promoting activities for, and speaks on behalf of Francophones throughout the city. The Federation, which represent 13 Francophone associations, helps ensure the visibility of the Francophone community and responds to its needs.
The Fédération des aînés fransaskois (FAF) promotes the development and vitality of elderly and retired Francophones in Saskatchewan. Through its close ties with the Fédération nationales des aînés francophones, the FAF is able to offer new and inspiring activities, which in turn improve the quality of life for seniors.
"The Fédération des francophones de Saskatoon and its 13 association members are proud to provide a social and cultural Francophone environment for all Francophones and Francophiles in Saskatoon," said Laurette Lefol, President. "We thank the Government of Canada for its continued support over the next two years."
"The Fédération des aînés fransaskois appreciates the Government of Canada's funding support," said Adrienne Sawchuk, Executive Director. "We will continue to work towards increasing our reach to the new generation of young seniors and retirees in Saskatchewan."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $210,000 to the Fédération des francophones de Saskatoon and $96,000 to the Fédération des aînés fransaskois 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.
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.
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Francine D. Lefebvre
A/Director
Regional Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
Tel: 204-983-4367
Cell: 204-229-5283
francine.lefebvre@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
