Member of Parliament Colin Carrie Announces Support for the Franco-Ontarian Community in Durham Region

OSHAWA, ON, Sept. 16, 2013 /CNW/ - Colin Carrie, Member of Parliament (Oshawa), on behalf of the Honourable Shelley Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced funding for the Conseil des organismes francophones de la région de Durham (COFRD) for projects and cultural activities.

This investment will enable COFRD to mark the 400^th anniversary of Champlain's travels in Ontario through a series of cultural and educational activities for young Francophones in the Oshawa/Whitby area. There will be several workshops on the performing arts, culture, and Franco-Ontarian history. The celebrations will include the major theatrical production L'Écho d'un peuple, which will be mounted with community participation and adapted to celebrate the history of Franco-Ontarians in Durham region.

The funding will also allow COFRD to make major technical improvements in the space where L'Écho d'un peuple and its annual performing arts program will be performed.

"I want to congratulate the organization for its efforts to celebrate French culture in Ontario," said Mr. Carrie. "The activities planned by COFRD highlight the culture and pride of Franco-Ontarians in Durham region and allow them to enjoy unforgettable cultural experiences."

"We are proud to support activities that celebrate the French language and culture in Ontario," said Minister Glover. "Champlain's journey in Ontario almost 400 years ago is part of our rich history, and our Government is proud to give Canadians an opportunity to learn more about it."

"This funding will give us better infrastructure to present the large-scale show L'Écho d'un Peuple as we celebrate 400 years of French presence in Ontario," said Didier Luchmun, President of COFRD. "We are pleased to have the chance to host this major production and to be able to offer the entire community the opportunity to celebrate the Francophone history and culture of our region and of the country."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $92,000 through two programs of the Department Canadian Heritage: $45,000 from the Community Life component of the Development of Official-Language Communities Program and $47,000 from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. The Development of Official-Language Communities Program aims to foster the development of Canada's Anglophone and Francophone minority communities and enable them to participate fully in all aspects of Canadian life. The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and for performances and exhibits. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing arts, visual arts and media arts, and to museum collections and heritage displays.

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SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

For more information (media only), please contact:

Marisa Monnin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Jillian Lum
Manager of Regional Communications Ontario Region
Canadian Heritage
416-973-2050
[email protected]

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
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(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)