Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador take part
in official opening of Centre Scolaire et Communautaire des Grands-vents

Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament (Avalon) John Efford, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, and Minister of Education of Newfoundland and Labrador Tom Hedderson are proud to announce today the official opening of the Centre Scolaire et Communautaire des Grands-vents.

"The official opening of the Centre Scolaire et Communautaire des Grands-Vents is the result of outstanding cooperation and extended efforts," said Minister Efford. "This centre will serve as a meeting place for Francophones and Francophiles in St. John�s, where they can take part in social, cultural, sport, and educational activities in French. The entire Francophone community of St. John�s will certainly benefit from this new centre."

"Combined school and community centres are central to life in Francophone communities living in minority situations. They are places of learning, gathering, expression, sharing, and celebration of the French language and culture," said Minister Frulla. "The Centre Scolaire et Communautaire des Grands-vents will provide quality teaching in French, while contributing to the cultural vitality of the Francophone community in St. John�s."

"In areas of Canada, such as St. John�s, where Francophones are in the minority, school-community centres are viewed as critical to supporting the education of French first-language students, and to promoting the development and enhancement of the French language and culture," said Minister Hedderson. "It will be one of those cherished places in this province where French culture and customs can be experienced, enjoyed and encouraged outside the home. As a government, we were pleased to partner with the Francophone community to see this dream become a reality."

This project is the result of a partnership agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Government of Canada contributed $3,098,000 for the building of the community centre. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador provided $2.4 million for the construction of the part dedicated to educational activities.

Financial assistance is provided by the Government of Canada through the Minority-Language Education component of the Development of Official-Language Communities Program.

Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget.

Media contact:

Jean-Philippe C�t�
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women
(819) 997-7788

Nora Daly
Office of the Minister of Education
Newfoundland and Labrador
(709) 729-1906

Tom Ormsby
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Natural Ressources
(613) 994-8246

Myriam Brochu
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314

2005 04 29                                                     1:05 p.m.