Harper Government Invests in the Conseil Acadien de Par-en-Bas

TUSKET, Nova Scotia, May 3, 2013 - Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament (West Nova), on behalf the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced an investment in the Conseil acadien de Par-en-Bas (CAPEB). This investment will make it possible for Acadian and Francophone residents of Argyle to enjoy a wide variety of cultural activities.

“Canadians can be proud of supporting the Conseil acadien de Par-en-Bas, which not only contributes to the cultural vitality of the Acadian community but also plays a key role in the promotion and preservation of the French language,” said Mr. Kerr. “By supporting such projects, our Government is delivering on its commitment to energize communities and support local culture and heritage.”

This financial support will enable CAPEB, as part of its 2013–2016 programming, to manage the Par-en-Bas community centre in Tusket and organize a host of social and cultural events for the thousands of Acadians in the region. In addition, other community outreach and coordination initiatives with organizations in Argyle will help promote Acadian culture in the region and increase opportunities for Acadians to live in French.

“Our Government is proud to partner with organizations that are working to enhance the identity and vitality of their communities,” said Minister Moore. “English and French are integral to our history, our identity, and our future. They unite us and enable us to live together in prosperity. That is why we renewed the Roadmap for Canada’s Official Languages, the most extensive investment in support of official languages to date.”

“The Conseil acadien de Par-en-Bas is very pleased about this sign of confidence and financial support from the Government of Canada,” said Norbert LeBlanc, President of CAPEB. “This funding, which means a great deal for our community, will allow us to pursue our mission and continue the important work of ensuring the growth and development of the Acadian community in our region.”

CAPEB strives to promote the vitality and overall development of the Acadian and Francophone community in Argyle.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $246,000 over three years through the Development of Official-Language Communities Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program aims to foster the development of Canada’s official-language minority communities and enable them to fully participate 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

Gilles Thériault
Director of Regional Communications
Atlantic Region
Canadian Heritage
506-851-3980
Gilles.theriault@pch.gc.ca

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