The Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario's annual conference is the largest gathering of Francophone community leaders in Ontario
RICHMOND HILL, ON, Oct. 26, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada's two official languages are at the heart of our national identity. Having a robust, government-wide approach ensures that official-language minority communities continue to grow and thrive, and that our two official languages are promoted across the country.
Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and la Francophonie, explained the Government of Canada's support for official language minority communities across Canada at the Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario's annual conference.
In her remarks, Minister Joly highlighted the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018–2023: Investing in Our Future, which was announced earlier this year.
The plan, which aims to promote French and English from coast to coast to coast, offers a vision for the future, new funding and specific measures to support the vitality of official-language minority communities.
In addition to maintaining the funding in support of official languages, the new plan proposes an additional investment of nearly $500 million over five years. This includes the $400-million investment announced in Budget 2018 as well as recent initiatives such as the investment in community-based educational infrastructure for official-language minority communities, announced in Budget 2017.
Quotes
"Official languages are at the heart of our Canadian identity. The investments we announced in the past year to support official language community organizations will enhance the vitality of communities across Canada and will have a positive impact on the lives of Francophones throughout Ontario."
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and la Francophonie
"The French language and culture are strong in Ontario, and the large number of people eagerly taking part in our 2018 conference is the proof! Over the next few days, participants will have the chance to receive training, meet fundraisers, to network and to promote our Francophonie—and all while innovating and having fun. Together, we will develop tools and resources that will serve us in the years to come. I hope everyone enjoys a great conference!"
—Carol Jolin, President of the Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario
Quick Facts
The Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario (AFO) is the political voice of Francophone communities across Ontario. Its mandate is to consult with Francophone communities across the province and represent their interests. It strives to promote and defend the rights of the more than 620,000 Franco-Ontarians.
The AFO's annual conference brings together between 300-400 Francophone community leaders from across Ontario.
The Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023 proposes additional funding of $499.2 million in addition to the current investments of $2.2 billion, bringing the Government of Canada's total support for official languages to almost $2.7 billion over five years.
This year, core funding for official language community organizations was increased by 20 percent, for the duration of the Action Plan. This support will strengthen nearly 300 official-language community organizations across Canada.
Related Products
Action Plan for Official Languages 2018–2023: Investing in Our Future
Associated Links
Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario
Official Languages Funding Programs
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
Jérémy Ghio, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and la Francophonie, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
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