Francophones and Francophiles in Jasper Receive Federal Support

News Release

Member of Parliament Jim Eglinski announces funding for the Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta – Régionale de Jasper

May 21, 2015 – Jasper, Alberta – Department of Canadian Heritage

Jim Eglinski, Member of Parliament (Yellowhead), today announced funding of $100,000 ($50,000 in 2015–16 and $50,000 in 2016–17) in support of the programming of the Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta – Régionale de Jasper (ACFA – Régionale de Jasper) programming over the next two years. This support is being provided through the Development of Official-Languages Communities Program.

Mr. Eglinski made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Funding will enable the ACFA – Régionale de Jasper to offer a range of cultural and social activities to support the development and vitality of the Francophone community in Jasper, including French classes for adults, local festivals and celebrations, and French-language information services to residents and visitors.

Quick Facts

The ACFA is the representative organization of Alberta’s French-speaking community. As the umbrella group for the province’s Francophone organizations, it promotes cooperation among its members and provides support and development services in communications and community action.
The ACFA has 13 regional offices across Alberta, including the Jasper branch.
The Development of Official-Language Communities Program is designed to foster the vitality of Canada’s French- and English-speaking minority communities and enable them to participate fully in all aspects of Canadian life.

Quotes

“Our country’s bilingualism is a source of pride among Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Our Government is committed to providing support to our minority official-language communities. We are proud to invest in projects that strengthen the Francophone character of Alberta and contribute to its growth and vitality.”

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

“English and French are part of our history and are at the heart of our identity. Organizations like the Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta – Régionale de Jasper play an important role in the ongoing development of Francophone communities here in Jasper and throughout Alberta.”

—Jim Eglinski, Member of Parliament (Yellowhead)

“The Francophonie will continue to flourish in Jasper in the coming years, thanks to the financial support of Canadian Heritage. This contribution will allow the association to offer numerous activities to the region’s Francophones and Francophiles, and thus strengthen the sense of belonging to the French language and Francophone culture.”

—Caroline Roy, President, Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta – Régionale de Jasper