FORT McMURRAY, Alberta, July 30, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Brian Jean, Member of Parliament (Fort McMurray-Athabasca), announced on Wednesday funding for the Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta, Wood Buffalo Regional Branch.
The funding will allow the organization to continue to provide valuable services to the region's Francophone community, including cultural activities and language training and retention projects like French-language workshops and the Franco-Job service. The Association's objectives include strengthening the sense of attachment and community among Francophones.
"Promoting our official languages and supporting official-language minority communities are priorities for our Government," said Minister Moore. "We are pleased to support organizations that play a key role in promoting the development of Francophone communities in Canada."
"The goal of the Wood Buffalo Regional Branch of the Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta is to promote and develop French-language services in our region and throughout the province," added Mr. Jean.
"We are delighted to receive this support from Canadian Heritage," said Erin Parent, Director of the Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta, Wood Buffalo Regional Branch. "Once again, we are pleased about the financial resources that the Department is offering us, which allow us to pursue our important mission of maintaining a viable presence for our Francophonie."
The Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta (ACFA) is the representative organization of Alberta's Francophone community. As the umbrella group for the province's Francophone organizations, it promotes cooperation between its members and provides support and development services in communications and community action. Within the parameters set, it promotes community development by overseeing certain sectors at the provincial level and supporting various organizations working in the field and by providing support to regional initiatives. The ACFA has 14 regional branches in the province, including the Wood Buffalo branch.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $80,000 under Cooperation with the Community Sector 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
