Substantial Support for Arts, Culture, Heritage and Official Languages in Prince Edward Island

News Release

Government of Canada provides financial support to the Acadian and Francophone community

August 20, 2014 – Summerside, Prince Edward Island – Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, today announced funding of $866,457 for 27 projects by organizations in Prince Edward Island’s Acadian and Francophone community. He made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

The funding will make possible projects in the fields of arts, culture, heritage and official languages. Details on recipient organizations and project funding are provided in the attached backgrounder.

Quick Facts

Eighteen organizations will receive funding totalling $790,081 from the Official Languages Support Programs, which promote French and English in Canadian society and foster the development of Canada’s minority Anglophone and Francophone communities.
Seven organizations will receive support totalling $51,300 from the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.
Two organizations will receive $25,076 from the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, which gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada’s culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances and other artistic experiences.

Quotes

“Our Government is proud to support these projects dealing with arts, culture, heritage and official languages. In addition to contributing to the local economy and community development, this investment will allow residents and visitors to Prince Edward Island to enjoy enriching cultural experiences.”

—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

“These projects reflect Islanders’ joie de vivre and highlight their culture and heritage. Prince Edward Island communities illustrate well the extent to which our two languages are assets for the country and an integral part of Canadian identity.”

—The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

“Thanks to the financial support from Canadian Heritage, La Belle Alliance will be able to continue offering cultural activities in French for the Acadian, Francophone and Francophile community in our region. We thank you for supporting the projects of La Belle Alliance, allowing us to celebrate our culture with our Festival de la citrouille, to highlight our language through the project Le français, une valeur ajoutée, and to give our artists the opportunity to make exchanges and share the stage with guest performers.”

—Giselle Babineau-Jordan, President, La Belle-Alliance ltée de Summerside