Government of Canada Supports Official Languages in Saskatchewan

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwire - March 19, 2011) - From early childhood to university, Francophone youth in Saskatchewan will have access to a wide range of activities and services in their language, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. Funding for the Association jeunesse fransaskoise and the Association des parents fransaskois was announced today by the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Western Economic Diversification) and Member of Parliament (Blackstrap), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

"Our Government is committed to promoting the development of minority Francophone communities," said Minister Moore. "We recognize the importance of bilingualism as an economic, social, and cultural asset for all Canadians."

"We are determined to support the vitality of the province's French-speaking community," said Minister of State Yelich. "I applaud the work carried out by the Association jeunesse fransaskoise and the Association des parents fransaskois on behalf of our most precious resource—our young people."

The Association jeunesse fransaskoise (AJF) helps shape the next generation and the leaders of tomorrow, who will go on to be involved in community organizations and contribute to the development of their communities. As part of its 2011–2012 programming, it will hold cultural, social, and educational activities for young Francophones and Francophiles, aged 12 to 25. The AJF will also receive support to set up a leadership camp for students in grade 9 and 10.

The Association des parents fransaskois (APF) promotes cooperation among several partners from the province's school and community sectors. As part of its 2011–2012 programming, the APF will help parents come together and take effective action to support their children's education. The organization will also provide services and programs for newcomers and to increase the use of French among parents and children at home, at school, and in the community.

The Government of Canada has provided $128,000 to the Association jeunesse fransaskoise and $113,000 to the Association des parents fransaskois through the Community Life component of the Development of Official-Language Communities Program. This program of the Department of Canadian Heritage aims to foster the development of Canada's minority English- and French-speaking communities and enable them to participate fully in all aspects of Canadian life.

Like the Roadmap for Canada's Linguistic Duality 2008–2013: Acting for the Future, support for these two organizations reaffirms the Government of Canada's commitment to our two official languages and to ensuring the vitality of official-language minority communities. The Roadmap is an unprecedented government-wide investment of $1.1 billon over five years.

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