EDMONTON, Sept. 24, 2012 /CNW/ - An investment by the Government of Canada will further strengthen the Francophone community in Alberta and help share this rich culture throughout the province. The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Minister for Status of Women, and Member of Parliament (Edmonton-Spruce Grove), made this announcement today on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
Funding will support the Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta (ACFA) in delivering its 2012-2013 programming. This includes a range of activities to strengthen Franco-Albertans' sense of pride and belonging, such as a series of heritage development workshops (S'outiller pour sa communauté) as well as the Alberta Francophone community's annual convention in October 2012, where nearly one thousand participants are expected to attend.
"This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada's 150th birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous, and free country we are today."
"ACFA contributes in an important way to the social, economic and cultural vitality, and well-being of Franco-Albertans," said Minister Ambrose. "This investment represents one of the many ways our Government recognizes the importance of Alberta's Francophone community."
"The Government of Canada has been a key partner in the development of Alberta's Francophone community for many years," said Dolorèse Nolette, President of ACFA's Provincial Secretariat. "This support will allow us to achieve our full potential while continuing to offer programs and services that foster the development of La Francophonie in Alberta."
Founded in 1926, ACFA is the representative organization of Alberta's Francophone community. It promotes pride and cultural expression among Francophones in Alberta and works with other organizations in the province to strengthen ties within the Francophone community. ACFA has 13 regional offices across Alberta.
The Government of Canada has allocated funding of $470,000 under the 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.
SOURCE: Canadian Heritage
For more information (media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
Perry Boldt
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-5739
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]
(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)
Share this article