News Release
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North Bay June 26, 2015 – Building on previous federal funding announcements directed at this initiative, Jay Aspin, MP for Nipissing-Timiskaming announced today additional support for francophone culture as Ontario celebrates the 400th anniversary of francophone culture in Ontario. Total funding of $87,170 was announced on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and the Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of Natural Resources and FedNor.
“I am very pleased that our Government continues to enhance francophone culture in our region,” said MP Jay Aspin. “French language, heritage and culture enriches our region. Today’s funding announcements will celebrate this rich history as well as expand our local tourism as tourists are attracted to visit our francophone festivals and celebrations.”
Heritage funding of $37,000 was allocated through the Community Life component of the Development of Official-Language Communities Program to the Association canadienne-française de l’Ontario (ACFO), région du Témiskaming, to support its 2015–16 annual programming. An additional $5,170 funding was provided to the Temiskaming Art Gallery through the Museums Assistance Program to host “Canada at Play: A Hundred Years of Games, Toys and Sports - Community Outreach,” a travelling exhibition from the Royal Ontario Museum.
FedNor funding of $45,000 was distributed to Centre Culturel ARTEM to assist them with their efforts to celebrate the 400th anniversary of francophone culture in Ontario.
“The number and diversity of the projects we fund bears witness to the vitality of the cultural community in your region—something you can all be proud of,” said Minister Glover. “Our Government is pleased to partner with organizations that are working hard to ensure that Ontario’s arts, culture and heritage continue to develop and enrich the quality of life of the people who live here.”
Ontario’s celebration of 400 years of francophone culture rests on the historic voyage of French explorer Samuel Du Champlain who set on the Ottawa and Mattawa Rivers in 1615 exactly 400 years ago to open Canada to trade, discovery and settlement.
