Nearly $65k in French language investments from Quebec, Prince Edward Island
The following was originally distributed by the Government of Quebec.
The governments of Quebec and Prince Edward Island are presenting today the 2016-2017 results of their co-operation in the area of Canadian francophonie. Together, the provinces have invested $63,284 for the implementation of 11 promising and structuring initiatives to promote and spread the French language.
Culture and immigration were at the centre of those initiatives. These included the filming of an episode of the Radio-Canada television show “La Petite Séduction” about the Francophone community of Charlottetown to present this island community to Canadians; training on the attraction, inclusion and retention of immigrants in rural regions; and visits of authors from Quebec in Prince Edward Island’s French-language schools so students can discover French-language and Quebec literature.
On January 23, 2017, the two governments signed a new Co-operation and Exchange Agreement in the area of Canadian francophonie and committed to making specific investments over the next five years, including $35,000 in 2017-2018 and $55,000 in 2021-2022.
Quotes:
“The positive picture that we are painting today allows us to strengthen the historical, linguistic and cultural ties between Francophones from Prince Edward Island and the Québécois. The increase in exchanges and collaborations between our two provinces testifies to the key role played by Francophones in the founding and building of the Canada of today and tomorrow. We can feel proud, while continuing to expand this role even further. We have close to 10 million people across the country contributing to the sustainability and vitality of the French language. Together, we can make the Canadian Francophonie resonate, and give it the space it deserves.”
- Jean-Marc Fournier, Minister responsible for Canadian Relations and the Canadian Francophonie
“Community organizations from Prince Edward Island and Quebec that work together contribute to the building and strengthening of relationships that make the Canadian francophonie shine all over the country. The funding increase for 2017-2018 will allow our provinces to share rewarding experiences and further their collaboration.”
- Wade MacLauchlan, Premier of Prince Edward Island and Minister responsible for Acadian and Francophone Affairs
“This grant allowed us to have 10 hours of training, provided by an organization with a unique expertise in immigration to rural communities. This customized training covered the essential steps of a sustainable settlement: promotion, recruitment, welcome and coaching. Furthermore, it helped determine which services are conducive to successful integration, and identified best practices for the retention and sustainability of the initiative. Following the training, I feel better equipped to accomplish my work, and I have a better overall picture of the settlement services that should be offered to French-speaking immigrants in the province. This training will help us reach a greater number of people and, in the long term, contribute to the growth of the Canadian Francophonie in our community and region.”
- Élise Boudreau, Settlement Services Coordinator for La Coopérative d’intégration francophone in Charlottetown
Highlights:
In addition to investments for intergovernmental co-operation in the area of Canadian francophonie, the Government of Quebec helps the French language thrive within its borders and across Canada through its Canadian Francophonie Support Program. The Province provided $14,000 for two initiatives from Acadian and Francophone organizations from Prince Edward Island or Quebec during the 2016-2017 fiscal year.
Thanks to two funding programs in the area of Canadian francophonie, Quebec supports approximately 300 initiatives all over Canada totalling 2.1 million dollars each year.
Since January 2016, the Province of Quebec has renewed its co-operation and exchange agreements in the area of Canadian francophonie with Manitoba, Yukon, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and British Columbia.