Harper Government Supports Jasper’s Francophone Community

JASPER, Alberta, April 16, 2013 - The Honourable Rob Merrifield, Member of Parliament (Yellowhead), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced support for the Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta (ACFA), Jasper Branch, to promote the French language and Francophone culture in the community.

“We are proud to invest in organizations like the Jasper Branch of the Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta that contribute to the region’s well-being,” said Mr. Merrifield. “I am pleased to see that our Franco-Albertan heritage is receiving the support it needs to remain vibrant.”

This investment will enable ACFA’s Jasper Branch to deliver its programming through 2013–2014. The Association will offer a range of cultural and social activities to support the development and vitality of the Francophone community in Jasper, including a pentathlon, French classes for adults, and information services.

Funding will also support a winter festival, as well as celebrations for Saint-Jean-Baptiste and the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie. In addition, the organization will inaugurate its new office in Jasper’s municipal library.

“Official language minority communities contribute to our quality of life, the strength of our economy, and the health of our democratic institutions,” said Minister Moore. “Promoting our official languages and supporting communities remains a priority for us in Alberta and across the country.”

“ACFA’s Jasper Branch is very grateful for the support provided by the Government of Canada for nearly 10 years. This funding increases the visibility of the French language and culture in Jasper and enables the French-speaking population to enjoy their language and culture to the fullest, while also promoting discoveries among the region’s non-Francophones,” said Steve Lahaie, President of ACFA, Jasper Branch.

ACFA is the representative organization of Alberta’s French-speaking community. As the umbrella group for the province’s Francophone organizations, it promotes cooperation among its members and provides support and development services in communications and community action. ACFA has 14 regional offices across Alberta, including the Jasper branch, which was founded in 1992.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $50,000 through the Cooperation with the Community Sector 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 Anglophone and Francophone communities and enable them to participate fully in all aspects of Canadian life.

 

For more information (media only), please contact:

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

Anna Gravelle
A/Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-6504

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca