Member of Parliament Dick Harris Announces Support for Cercle des Canadiens Français de Prince George

PRINCE GEORGE, BC, Oct. 31, 2013 /CNW/ - Dick Harris, Member of Parliament (Cariboo-Prince George), on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced funding for the Cercle des Canadiens Français de Prince George's annual winter festival.

"The Cercle des Canadiens Français de Prince George allows us to appreciate our rich Francophone history," said Mr. Harris.  "Their efforts ensure that the French language and culture remain an integral part of life in Northern British Columbia."

Funding will support the 29^th FRANCOFUN Winter Festival which will take place in Prince George, from January 25 to February 1, 2014.  Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including snow carving, folk dancing performances and live music. Artisan expositions and heritage presentations will be featured as well.

"Our Government recognizes the important contribution Francophone communities make to Canada's cultural, social and economic fabric," said Minister Glover. "We are proud to invest in projects that strengthen the Francophone character of British Columbia and contribute to its growth and vitality."

"The support from Canadian Heritage for the FRANCOFUN Winter Festival will allow us to host local, provincial and national artists and artisans, while increasing the linguistic vitality of our community," said Paul Vézina, President of the Cercle des Canadiens Français de Prince George. "Large numbers of people will have an opportunity to enjoy our French Canadian traditions, whether as volunteers, as participants, or as spectators. This will make them more familiar with the activities, programs and services that are offered in French in their community."

Founded in 1960, the Cercle des Canadiens Français de Prince George is a non-profit organization that brings together Francophones and Francophiles in Prince George with the goal of promoting the French language, celebrating French-Canadian culture and heritage, and expanding the Francophone community.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $3,800 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

The Government of Canada has also provided $20,000 in funding through the Cooperation with the Community Sector component of the Development of Official-Language Communities Program. This program of the Department of Canadian Heritage 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.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

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(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)