Francophonie Thriving on Vancouver Island

CAMPBELL RIVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 2, 2014) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Government of Canada has provided the Association francophone de Campbell River (AFCR) with $60,000 in funding through the Development of Official-Language Communities Program to support the Association's 2014-15 programming.

The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Member of Parliament (Vancouver Island North), announced this support today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

With this funding, the Association will offer a range of cultural and social activities to support the development and vitality of the Francophone community in Campbell River. The AFCR will provide French-language services for children and adults, as well as welcome services for newcomers. It will also organize a variety of social activities for families and plan a series of community celebrations. In addition, the Association will work in collaboration with the Assemblée francophone des retraités et aînés and RésoSanté to offer workshops and information sessions to members of the community.

Quick Facts

• The AFCR has worked to create and improve services for Francophones and Francophiles in the community for over 30 years.
• The AFCR is the only organization offering services to Francophones in Campbell River and neighbouring communities.
• The mission of the AFCR is to promote French and French-language culture throughout the region.
• 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 is committed to ensuring the prosperity and vitality of minority Francophone communities and recognizes the importance of linguistic duality as an economic, social and cultural driver in Canada."

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

"The Association francophone de Campbell River plays an important role in the growth and development of the Francophone community in Campbell River. The AFCR provides residents with year-round access to a variety of cultural activities and encourages pride and cultural expression among Francophones in the region."

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

"Since 1985, the Association francophone de Campbell River has worked to promote French and French-language culture in North Vancouver. It has been long, hard work, with many stops and starts, dependent on the dedication of many volunteers. Support from Canadian Heritage will allow members of the community to gather and enjoy proudly living in French in this sea of English in the Pacific. Federal government funding will also allow Francophones to obtain a minimum of services in their own language in their community."

-Danielle Girard, Chair of the Board of the 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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