Harper Government Invests in Official Languages in Nova Scotia

CHURCH POINT, NS, Aug. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Investments by the Government of Canada in the official languages sector will help boost the local economy of Acadian communities in Nova Scotia. Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament (West Nova), today announced support for three organizations on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Funding will support projects of the Festival acadien de Clare, the Société acadienne de Clare, and the Fédération régionale des arts et du patrimoine de la Baie Sainte-Marie. In addition to promoting and supporting Acadian culture in the region, these projects will showcase the talents of local professional and emerging artists through various activities, including workshops for adults and youth. A wide variety of cultural experiences will be offered to residents and visitors in the region, including visual arts, storytelling, music, dance, cinema, literature, and theatre.

"This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada's 150^th birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous, and free country we are today."

"Investments related to official languages have social and economic benefits for communities. I am pleased that our Government is supporting these projects," said Mr. Kerr. "These initiatives will give visibility to the arts in various forms in the Baie Sainte-Marie region. They are strengthening the Acadian identity of our communities, and are an important tourist draw for the region."

"The Fédération régionale des arts et du patrimoine appreciates this funding, which will make Baie Sainte-Marie's first arts night possible. This event is planned for spring 2013," said Paul-Émile Comeau, Chair of the Board. "This assistance will help us promote the advancement and development of the Acadian population in southwest Nova Scotia."

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $48,000 under the Community Life component of the Development of Official-Language Communities Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The Fédération régionale des arts et du patrimoine de la Baie Sainte-Marie received $26,000 for its project Tapage nocturne acadien; the Festival acadien de Clare received $7,000 for its project Développement dans les domaines de la littérature et de l'animation de salle; and the Société acadienne de Clare received $15,000 for its project On tourne en Clare.

The Development of Official-Language Communities program aims to foster the development of Canada's minority Anglophone and Francophone communities and enable them to participate fully in all aspects of Canadian life.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

For further information:

media only:

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788

Gilles Thériault
Director, Regional Communications
Atlantic Region
Canadian Heritage
506-851-3980
[email protected]

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]

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