Thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada, a number of local and national organizations in the National Capital Region will be able to consolidate their actions for the benefit of official language minority communities.
On Thursday, March 28 Orléans MP Marie-France Lalonde and Ottawa-Centre MP MP Yasir Naqvi announced a 12.5% increase in basic funding to the following organizations: Canadian Parents for French (CPF), French for the Future, Association Canadienne des professionelles de l`immersion (ACPI), Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne, Reseaux des cégeps et des collèges francophones du Canada, le Regoupement des parents et amis des sourds et malentendants franco-ontariens, Mouvement d’implication francophone d’Orléans (MIFO), Regroupement des gens d’affaires de la capitale nationale (RGA).
This funding, adding up to a total of $392,500 for 2023-2024 will support projects to enhance official language programming.
MP Lalonde and MP Naqvi made the announcement on behalf of Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages.
"More than ever, our government is committed to protecting and promoting our two official languages," said MP Lalonde. "This additional core funding will support key French organizations in Orléans and in our national capital. I am pleased to see this increase particularly at a time where Canadians rely even more of their vital programming and services."
The funding is made possible through the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028. In total, Canadian Heritage invests $62.5 million over five years to increase the core funding for community organizations and to fund certain strategic initiatives.
This increase will enable community organizations to offset the rising cost of living and offer competitive working conditions to their staff. This amount will also be used to extend services, activities, and events; support the financial health of community organizations; and support new initiatives that support equity, diversity and inclusion.
Through the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028, the Government of Canada will support initiatives related to Francophone immigration, economic development, education, justice, health, and arts and culture.
STRAY DOG 7-YEAR ITCH ANNIVERSARY PARTY starting at 2 p.m. at the Stray Dog Brewing Company located at 150 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park. There will be family friendly games for all combined with great food, live music and, of course, plenty of suds.
SHENKMAN ARTS CENTRE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with lots of free activities for the whole family including dance workshops in hip-hop, contemporary, Bollywood and Kathak dance, bucket drum-ming and bubble art. There will also be a performance by Rwandan-Canadian singer Empress Nyiringango. ADMISSION IS FREE FOR EVERYONE..
ORLEANS FARMERS MARKET from 11 am to 4 pm in the parking lot at the Ray Friel Recreation Complex on Tenth Line Road featuring local food vendors and producers.
ORLEANS RIBFEST AND POUTINE in the Orléans Festival Plaza on Trim Road. Festival hours are Friday, Sept. 13 from 12 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 15 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free admission.
