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Innovation, Business and Rural Development
Executive Council
November 9, 2011

Community Radio Creating a Stronger Cultural Connection

The Féderation des Francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador, with the support of $99,815 from the Provincial Government, will expand the broadcast range of its francophone community/web radio network. This funding brings the Provincial Government’s total contribution in the project to close to $275,000.

“The Féderation des Francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador has been important in the preservation and celebration of the francophone culture in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “By expanding the network’s reach it is envisioned that communications between local francophone groups and those in Quebec and St. Pierre and Miquelon will become stronger. Contributing to the promotion of the francophone culture will also invite new opportunities for small businesses operating in francophone communities as they capitalize on a growing number of visitors looking to experience their culture and heritage.”

Founded in 1973, Féderation des Francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador is a non-profit organization that promotes the local francophone and Acadian communities. It is an umbrella agency representing five francophone organizations which work toward social and cultural development within their own linguistic communities. To listen to programming on the francophone community/web radio network visit www.francotnl.ca/radio.php.

“It is critical to the preservation of the francophone culture in the province that youth become engaged in the process,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs. “By providing francophone youth with a vehicle and the tools to have their voices heard, they will become more empowered and inspired to carry on the celebration of their culture. This network will bridge geographical distances to create a stronger sense of unity, pride, and belonging within the francophone community in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The latest phase in the development of the francophone community/web radio network will include the creation and implementation of entertainment and marketing programs, equipment upgrades at multiple sites, and the establishment of a broadcast studio in Mainland, which is located on the Port au Port Peninsula, and production suite in St. John’s. As a way of strengthening the francophone identity, especially among youth, students from the province’s five French first-language schools will contribute content to the radio station.

"We are pleased that the wish of the geographically distant francophone communities to be brought closer by public broadcast and the internet will soon be realized,” said Jules Custodio, President of Fédération des Francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador. “The network will be a great tool to transmit our culture and history, to affirm our presence, and to bring together the numerous francophiles of the province.”

This initiative was funded through the Innovation Enhancement Program, which through Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador has $500,000 available for investment. The program provides assistance to organizations for projects that stimulate new and creative ideas, encourage industry and businesses to capitalize on innovation among youth.

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Media contacts:

Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 699-6524
JenniferTulk@gov.nl.ca

Jacinthe Tremblay
Fédération des Francophones de Terre-
Neuve et du Labrador
709-765-2247

2011 11 09             10:45 a.m.

 
 
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