NANAIMO, British Columbia, July 14, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, James Lunney, Member of Parliament (Nanaimo-Alberni), today announced funding for the Association des francophones de Nanaimo.
This funding will enable the Association to present its 11th Maple Sugar Festival from February 18 to 20, 2011. The festival is a unique bilingual event inspired by traditions from Eastern Canada. Each year, many Francophone performers and cultural activities attract more than 5,000 visitors. This success is due to the quality of the performances and shows a real commitment on the part of the region's Francophones.
"The Government of Canada is proud to support this initiative," said Minister Moore. "By presenting this festival, the Association is getting the community involved in exploring the rich Francophone culture and its role in the development of the Canadian identity."
"The Maple Sugar Festival is a celebration of French culture, cuisine, music, and tradition--an uplifting experience," said Mr. Lunney.
"The Association des francophones de Nanaimo is grateful for the ongoing support from Canadian Heritage for its festival, especially in a difficult time for British Columbia arts and culture," said Édith Bouchard, the Association's new president.
The Association des francophones de Nanaimo, founded in 1978, seeks to bring together Francophones and Francophiles in Nanaimo and surrounding areas and to promote and foster appreciation of the French language and Francophone culture. The Association's main activities are providing a permanent meeting place for the Francophone community, organizing social and cultural activities for youth--shows, dances, and traditional celebrations--and offering a Francophone nursery school service, a summer camp, and professional development days.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $36,000 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
