Federal Funding for Franco-Columbians on Vancouver Island

CAMPBELL RIVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - April 8, 2015) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Member of Parliament (Vancouver Island North), today announced an investment of $60,000 through the Development of Official-Language Communities Program to support the 2015-16 programming of the Association francophone de Campbell River (AFCR).

Minister of State Duncan made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

With this funding, the AFCR will continue to offer residents of the Campbell River area access to valuable French-language services for children and adults, as well as collaborate with British Columbia-based Francophone organizations to deliver information sessions to members of the community. It will also develop a new strategic plan to further cement its position within the community, uphold its Francophone presence and unite Francophones and Francophiles on Vancouver Island.

Quick Facts

• The AFCR has worked to create and improve services for Francophones and Francophiles in the community for over 30 years.
• The mission of the AFCR is to promote French and French-language culture throughout the region.
• In March 2013, the Government of Canada announced the Roadmap for Canada's Official Languages 2013-2018, which represents a $1.1-billion investment in official languages involving 15 government departments and agencies. It is based on three pillars: education, immigration and communities.
• The Development of Official-Language Communities Program is designed to foster the vitality of Canada's French- and English-speaking minority communities and enable them to participate fully in all aspects of Canadian life.

Quotes

"Our Government understands that our linguistic duality is an economic, social and cultural asset for all Canadians. I am thrilled the Association francophone de Campbell River will be able to continue their valuable work within the community, thanks to our Government's support."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"The Association francophone de Campbell River has established itself as a leader in the Francophone community on Vancouver Island. Today's announcement reinforces our commitment to the linguistic duality that enriches our lives and helps to make our country unique."

-The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Member of Parliament (Vancouver Island North)

"Thanks to the annual funding that the AFCR receives from the federal government and with the support of volunteers in the community and partnerships with other provincial Francophone organizations, the Association is able to carry out its mission of promoting the French language and Francophone culture in the Campbell River area on Vancouver Island. The AFCR's community events and services serve to enrich the learning, appreciation and retention of French in a linguistic minority environment."

-Berthe Lapierre, President, Association francophone de Campbell River

Associated Links

Association francophone de Campbell River

Development of Official-Language Communities Program - Community Life component

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