OTTAWA, June 9, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Shelly Glover, Parliamentary Secretary for Official Languages and Member of Parliament (Saint Boniface), today announced funding for the Fédération culturelle canadienne-française (FCCF) during the organization's annual general meeting.
"Our two official languages are an asset for all Canadians, and our Government is committed to promoting them throughout the country," said Minister Moore. "The FCCF is a major partner. As a result of the key role that the FCCF plays, more Canadians have access to high-quality arts and cultural products originating in Francophone and Acadian minority communities."
"Official-language minority communities are incredibly rich in arts and culture. I want to highlight the good work done by the FCCF in promoting of this wealth," said Mrs. Glover.
"We thank the Department of Canadian Heritage for its financial support for our organization," said Raymonde Boulay Leblanc, President of the FCCF. "I would like to state once again the importance of stable investment in the arts and culture sector as an effective tool for overall sustainable development of official-language communities."
The Fédération culturelle canadienne-française is a national organization whose mission is to promote artistic and cultural expression in Francophone and Acadian communities. It brings together representatives of seven national organizations active in theatre, publishing, music and songwriting, media arts, and visual arts, as well as a group of professional arts presenters from the Canadian Francophonie and organizations dedicated to the cultural development of every province and territory in Canada.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $1.29 million over two years to the FCCF through the Development of Official-Language Communities Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program aims to enhance the vitality of Canada's official-language minority communities and enable them to fully participate in all aspects of Canadian life.
For more information (media only), please contact:
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
