SASKATOON, July 15, 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 Canadian Parents for French - Saskatchewan. This funding will help the organization plan its 2009-2011 activities.
"Our Government is committed to promoting stronger links between Canadians," said Minister Moore. "By supporting opportunities to learn about the French language and culture, we help ensure that the public recognizes the value of linguistic duality both in Saskatchewan and across the country."
"I would like to congratulate Canadian Parents for French - Saskatchewan for its efforts to promote the importance of French as a second language," said Mr. Vellacott. "Linguistic duality is a cherished Canadian characteristic that must be preserved for future generations."
"We are pleased that Canadian Heritage plans to continue financially supporting the very important work done by Canadian Parents for French - Saskatchewan," said Suzanne Rollo, President of CPF-SK. "With this money, we can continue providing French second-language programs to children in all areas of the province, where we currently have 13 active chapters."
Canadian Parents for French - Saskatchewan was established in 1977 and is part of a national network of volunteers that values French as an integral part of Canada. It is a non-profit organization with a provincial scope whose activities target Saskatchewan youth, parents, and members. It also encourages its partners to develop policies and offer services to enhance the quality of French-second-language education opportunities.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $142,000 under the Promotion of Linguistic Duality component of the Enhancement of Official Languages Program. This program of the Department of Canadian Heritage aims to help organizations from various sectors undertake or continue activities that promote a better understanding or appreciation of linguistic duality and build stronger linguistic and cultural links among members of the two official-language communities.
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 first 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
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
