KAMLOOPS, British Columbia, July 6, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament (Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo), today announced funding for Association Francophone de Kamloops.
Today's contribution of $135,925 over three years for the Association to continue to offer and develop socio-cultural activities, as well as educational and community services adapted to the specific needs of the Francophone community of Kamloops and the surrounding area. Program activities, will include FrancoFun matinees, French courses for adults and art exhibits, along with cultural celebrations that will allow the Francophone community to grow and thrive.
The second contribution being announced today is a grant of $16,000 for the Association to create the Espace franco-jeunesse de Kamloops. This project will allow Francophone and Francophile youth to acquire leadership skills so that they can participate actively in the development of the local Francophone community. They will participate in the creation and delivery of sports, cultural and educational activities and will meet and build strong ties with other Francophone youth throughout the province through provincial activities, such as le Camp Franco-survie and les Jeux Francophones.
"We are proud to invest in this association, which plays a key role in ensuring the growth and stability of Francophone culture in the Kamloops area," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is taking concrete action to ensure the development of minority Francophone communities and to encourage all Canadians to participate in our country's linguistic duality."
"Kamloops' Francophone community benefits greatly from this federal funding announcement," said Ms. McLeod. "I am pleased to see our Francophone heritage appreciated and supported so strongly."
"The Association Francophone de Kamloops is very grateful for the support it has received from the Government of Canada," said Gilles Viaud, president of the Association. This financial support will enable the community to pursue its mission and continue the important work it is doing to increase the participation of young Francophones and Francophiles in the development of the community."
Founded in 1979, Association Francophone de Kamloops is comprised of members from Kamloops and surrounding communities. The Association aims to offer a support network for Francophone and Francophile residents and promote French language and culture by organizing social, cultural and educational activities and opportunities.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $151,925 through the Cooperation with the Community Sector 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
Perry Boldt
A/Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-5739
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
