The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador Work Together to Support French-Language Services in the Province Français
The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador announce a five-year intergovernmental agreement to improve access to programs and French-language services in the province
OTTAWA, April 1 2019 /CNW/ - Over the generations, Canadians have kept their official languages and culture alive and well. English and French are at the heart of our identity and values. Ensuring their vitality is essential and depends on building strong and vibrant communities. Making services available in both official languages allows official-language minority communities to flourish.
That is why the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, and the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs, today announced a new cooperation agreement for French-language services for the period 2018–2019 to 2022–2023. The agreement provides funding of $3.5 million over five years, or $700,000 per year, split equally between the two governments, for services in French for official-language minority communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The objective of the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Agreement on French-Language Services 2018–2019 to 2022–2023 is to develop, strengthen and provide provincial services in the minority language. An improved service offered to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador will help make the province stronger and more inclusive. This agreement confirms funding for provincial services in French until 2022–2023.
Quotes
"Today, we are reaffirming our government's commitment to working with the community and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador to better meet their service needs. Let's be proud of what we have accomplished together, and let's continue to make French-language services accessible to members of the Francophone and Acadian communities."
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
"The signing of the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Agreement on French-Language Services 2018–2019 to 2022–2023 marks the 25th anniversary of cooperation between our two governments in the area of French services. Government remains committed to work together with our dynamic Francophone and Acadian community to improve access to services and information in French, and thus contribute to its vitality and development."
—The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs
Quick Facts
Bilateral intergovernmental cooperation agreements with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador have been in place for 25 years to help the province provide French-language services to the Acadian and Francophone community of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Shared-cost agreements are reached with provincial and territorial governments annually or over several years to support intergovernmental cooperation in providing minority-language services.
The Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Agreement on French-Language Services 2018–2019 to 2022–2023 represents an investment by the Government of Canada of $1.75 million over five years.
Associated Links
Intergovernmental Cooperation on Minority Language Services
Office of French Services
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
(media only), please contact: 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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