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Federal and provincial agreement to fund School Governance 
for Francophones of Newfoundland and Labrador

Premier Brian Tobin and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps announced today a six-year agreement to support the establishment of a francophone school board for the province.

"This contribution will allow the completion of French-language school governance in Newfoundland and Labrador. Having their own school governance is not simply a right for Francophones in Canada; it is the cornerstone of a bright future," said Ms. Copps.

The federal and provincial governments signed the Canada-Newfoundland Special Agreement for the Implementation of Francophone School Governance, committing a total of $4,816,000. This includes a federal contribution of $2 million over the next two years (1997-98 and 1998-99).

The federal-provincial agreement provides for a contribution to finance the start-up and operation of the school board and governance structure for French-language schools throughout the province.

An additional federal assistance of $1,612,000 as well as a provincial contribution of $1,204,000 will be allocated between 1997 and 2003.

"The province announced its commitment in July 1996 to move forward with the implementation of a system of school governance for Francophone parents and children. The signing of this special agreement today is a critical step towards that goal. It's a further demonstration of the excellent cooperation between the federal and provincial governments in the area of official language," commented Premier Tobin.

The announcement made today by Ms. Copps and Premier Tobin demonstrates the commitment of both levels of government to support the Francophone community of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Minister of Education Roger Grimes added: "This is an achievement of which the Francophone community should be justly proud. The Department of Education will strive to ensure that Francophone children in Newfoundland and Labrador obtain an excellent education."

The Schools Act 1996 gives the Lieutenant Governor in Council the authority to establish the Commission scolaire provinciale francophone. It is anticipated that more comprehensive legislation will be passed by the House of Assembly in the Spring Session.

Funding for this project was provided for in the February 1997 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. This initiative is an example of how government is prioritizing its spending so that it can better serve Canadians by making efficient use of their tax dollars.

Contact:

     Julia Arnsby                            Cathy Dornan
     Press Secretary                         Director of Communications
     Office of the Deputy Prime Minister     Newfoundland and Labrador
     and Minister of Canadian Heritage       Premier's Office
     (819) 997-7788                          (709) 729-3564