CLARE, BAIE SAINTE-MARIE REGION, Nova Scotia, July 6, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Greg Kerr, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament (West Nova), today announced funding for the Société acadienne de Clare.
Funding will help the Société present its 2009-2010 programming, which includes a wide range of activities to strengthen Acadians' sense of pride and educate them about their language rights. The Societé also intends to implement a marketing plan and to carry out a feasibility study on a school-community centre.
"By taking concrete steps to promote the participation of all Canadians in our country's linguistic duality, our Government helps accomplish the goals of the Roadmap for Canada's Linguistic Duality," said Minister Moore. "I am pleased to support the Société acadienne de Clare, which makes a great contribution to the cultural vitality of minority official-language communities in Nova Scotia."
"I would like to congratulate the Société acadienne de Clare on its contribution to the growth and development of the Acadian people in the municipality of Clare," said Mr. Kerr. "I am proud that our Government continues to support this organization as it promotes the growth of our communities."
"The support we receive from the Government of Canada is essential to the success of our cultural events," said Yvette Armstrong, President of the Société acadienne de Clare. "With support from our partners, we can present various activities that promote linguistic growth and cultural connections in the Clare area and celebrate Canadian diversity."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $75,000 under the Community Life component of the Development of Official-Language Communities Program. This program of the Department of Canadian Heritage aims to foster the development of Canada's minority Anglophone and Francophone communities and enable them to participate fully in all aspects of Canadian life.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the coming into force of Canada's first Official Languages Act.
Stephanie Rea
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
stephanie.rea@pch.gc.ca
Claudine Daigle
Director
Regional Communications
Atlantic Region
Canadian Heritage
506-851-3980
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
