GREENWOOD, Nova Scotia, May 18, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament (West Nova), today announced funding for the Association francophone de la vallée d'Annapolis.
This investment will better equip the organization to work for the development of Nova Scotia's Francophone minority. Specifically, it will be able to keep the Point de Mire community centre running smoothly, as well as undertake promotional initiatives and stimulating cultural activities.
"Our Government feels that our two official languages are a true benefit for our society," said Minister Moore. "It is important to promote them across the country by supporting grassroots community groups like the Association francophone de la vallée d'Annapolis, which strives to put arts and culture at the heart of their activities."
"Our Government is supporting the Association francophone de la vallée d'Annapolis, a group that contributes greatly to enhancing the vitality of Francophone society in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Kerr. "This organization attempts to increase services in French in our geographical area, as well as at the provincial level."
"Funding from the Government of Canada enables us to promote French in the Annapolis Valley," said Hélène Lavigne, Chair of the Association. "We wish to highlight our Francophone artists in visual arts, theatre, film, literature, dance, and music. The Association also wants to establish exchanges between the various Acadian regions by means such as our newsletter Le Franc-Parler, which transmits regional news within the Valley's Francophone community."
The Association francophone de la vallée d'Annapolis promotes French language and culture in the greater Annapolis Valley and seeks to offer the Francophone community services that are increasingly better adapted to its priority needs in terms of development.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $35,000 through 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.
Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
