ANTIGONISH, Nova Scotia, July 3, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honorable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, and Member of Parliament (Central Nova), today announced funding for the Société acadienne Sainte-Croix.
Funding will help the Société carry out its mission to strengthen the cultural and linguistic vitality of the Acadian community of the Pomquet area. In addition to organizing cultural activities to support the French language and culture in the community, the Société ensures that the Acadian and Francophone communities are informed of emerging issues and have opportunities to participate in activities related to French language and culture on the provincial level.
"By supporting the Société acadienne Sainte-Croix, our Government helps accomplish the goals of the Roadmap for Canada's Linguistic Duality, which provides for concrete steps to promote the participation of all Canadians in our country's linguistic duality," said Minister Moore. "We are pleased to support this organization, which strengthens the cultural vitality of minority official language communities in Nova Scotia."
"I would like to congratulate members of the Société acadienne Sainte-Croix for their hard work in keeping their culture alive and strong in Pomquet," said Minister MacKay. "Our Acadian culture is a very important part of our local history, which is why I am pleased that our Government is supporting this initiative."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $55,000 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 Official Languages Act, a milestone for Canadian society. Our linguistic duality is a treasure, and every Canadian can be proud of this country having two world-class official languages.
Information:
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
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
