Funding for Francophone Organizations in the Nipissing Region

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the vitality of official-language minority communities and promoting official languages

STURGEON FALLS, ON, June 8, 2018 /CNW/ - Investing in the growth and prosperity of official-language minority communities is investing in the vitality of our culture.

Marc Serré, Member of Parliament (Nickel Belt), today announced funding of $72,000 over three years to support the annual programming of the Conseil des arts de Nipissing Ouest. He made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Official Languages.

The funding is provided under the Cooperation with the Community Sector component of the Development of Official Languages Communities program. The total amount of $72,000 includes the 20-percent increase in core funding for community organizations announced by Minister Joly on May 17.

The program is one of the investments recently announced in the new Action Plan for Official Languages 2018–2023: Investing in Our Future. This plan offers a vision for the future, new financial support, and specific measures to support the vitality of official-language minority communities and promote French and English from coast to coast to coast. The plan includes an increase of more than $57 million over five years in the core funding that Canadian Heritage provides to these organizations.

Quotes

"Official Languages are at the heart of Canadian identity. The investments that we announced recently to support official-language community organizations will enhance the vitality of these communities and have a direct impact on the lives of Francophones in Northern Ontario."

—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister Responsible for Official Languages

"I am proud of our government's support for Francophone organizations in the region. Organizations like the Conseil des arts de Nipissing Ouest contribute to community vitality and the sustainability of Francophone culture and heritage in Northern Ontario."

—Marc Serré, Member of Parliament (Nickel Belt)

"This financial assistance is greatly appreciated by the Conseil des Arts de Nipissing Ouest. This support enables us to lay the groundwork for viable funding for the next three years. It will directly help us make real progress toward our organization's new development vision in the coming months."

—Dany H. Poulin, Executive Director, Conseil des arts de Nipissing Ouest

Quick Facts

The Conseil des arts de Nipissing Ouest is a multidisciplinary arts centre with the mission of building appreciation for and promotion of Francophone arts and artists by offering a full range of visual and performing arts programming.

The new Action Plan for Official Languages 2018–2023 adds $499.2 million in funding to the ongoing $2.2 billion, bringing the Government of Canada's support to a total of nearly $2.7 billion over five years.

The core funding for official languages community organizations will be increased by 20 percent starting this year for the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023: Investing in Our Future. This support will strengthen nearly 300 organizations across Canada.

Associated Links

Action Plan for Official Languages 2018–2023: Investing in Our Future

Development of Official Language Communities Program – Cooperation with the Community Sector

Conseil des arts de Nipissing Ouest (French only)

SOURCE Canadian Heritage

(media only), please contact: Simon Ross, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]