The Government of Canada Supports Francophone Community of Fort McMurray

July 14, 2008

FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta – The Francophone community of Fort McMurray will receive more services in French, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.

Brian Jean, Member of Parliament (Fort McMurray–Athabasca), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Secretary of State (Asia–Pacific Gateway) (2010 Olympics) (Official Languages), today announced funding for the Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta, Régionale de Wood Buffalo.

Funding of $80,000 dollars will support the Association’s 2008–2009 programming, which is designed to enhance the vitality of the Francophone community. The new programs focus on the five following sectors: communications and advertising, building identity and community integration, arts and culture, sports and recreation, and early childhood.

“I applaud the important work being done by the Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta to offer a wider range of services in French to Francophones in the Fort McMurray area,” said Secretary of State Moore. “The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring the prosperity of English and French minority-language communities and to recognizing the importance of linguistic duality throughout the country.”

“Our Government is demonstrating its commitment to supporting the vitality of the Francophone community of Fort McMurray,” said Mr. Jean. “Through their commitment and resolve, the Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta, Régionale de Wood Buffalo, is ensuring the continued vitality and growth of the entire community.”

“The Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta (ACFA), Régionale de Wood Buffalo is very pleased to receive financial support from Canadian Heritage,” said Philippe Guerard, President of l’ACFA, Régionale de Wood Buffalo. “This contribution is extremely important to us in terms of supporting the Francophone and Francophile community, and we are most grateful.”

This funding has been provided by the Official Languages Support Program, Cooperation with the Community Sector component, of the Department of Canadian Heritage. By encouraging innovation and excellence, this program supports the involvement of organizations and reinforces their ability to take action toward making measurable gains in long-term community development.