The Government of Canada is proud to launch a new fund for community and cultural infrastructure construction projects in official-language minority communities.
OTTAWA, April 26, 2019 /CNW/ - Canada's two official languages are at the heart of our identity. They provide undeniable economic, social and cultural benefits for everyone. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the development of Anglophone and Francophone minority communities across the country. As well, this support recognizes how important it is for these communities to have the facilities where people can meet, exchange ideas and access vital resources.
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, announced the launch of a new fund to support community and cultural infrastructure construction projects in official-language minority communities.
The Community Spaces Fund, a new initiative stemming from the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018–2023, will devote $67.2 million in funding over five years to support school, community and cultural infrastructure projects.
This fund will allow non-profit organizations working in minority communities to have spaces where services and activities are offered in the community's preferred language. These could be Francophone cultural centres, community centres or theatres. These meeting places encourage interaction and sharing while contributing to the individual and social development of the community. The creation of these spaces will strengthen the capacity of these organizations and support community revitalization.
Quotes
"Our government knows that cultural infrastructure helps build strong, vibrant and prosperous communities. That's why I'm pleased to announce the new Community Spaces Fund. It will contribute to the vitality of official-language minority communities by supporting the construction and renovation of community facilities where residents' language and culture can flourish."
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
Quick Facts
As part of the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018–2023: Investing in Our Future, the Government of Canada is investing $67.2 million over five years for school and cultural infrastructure construction projects in official-language minority communities.
This new funding will allow official-language minority communities to build new community and cultural centres, renovate and modernize existing infrastructure and add multipurpose spaces to community centres.
The Action Plan for Official Languages includes an unprecedented investment of $2.7 billion over five years, including $500 million in new funding, to support official-language minority communities and promote bilingualism across the country.
Associated Links
Action Plan for Official Languages 2018–2023: Investing in Our Future
Official Languages Support Programs
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
(media only) 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]
Share this article