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NLIS 1 October 4, 2002 (Executive Council) Governments of Canada and
Newfoundland and Labrador join forces President of the Privy Council, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister Responsible for Official Languages St�phane Dion, Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Roger Grimes today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding concerning the establishment of a Francophone school and community centre in St. John�s. "It is essential to give official-language communities in minority situations the tools that will help ensure their development," said Minister Copps. "The centre will enable Francophones in this region to gather under the same roof and take part in a host of social and cultural activities, which will strengthen the vitality of their community." Minister St�phane Dion sees the centre as "another good example of federal-provincial cooperation which testifies to the Government of Canada's will to renew its commitment to the official languages." "The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador acknowledges and supports the desire of the Francophone community to educate their children in the French language," said Premier Grimes. "Through this partnership with the federal government, we are able to provide a facility where our French-speaking citizens will continue to promote their language and culture in a province characterized by its cultural diversity." The establishment of a school and community centre will be funded by both signatory parties. The Government of Canada will cover the expenses of constructing community and shared facilities, up to a maximum of $3 million. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will provide $2.4 million for construction of the school component of the structure; which will accommodate up to 100 students. Funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. Media contact:
2002 10 04 9:20 a.m. |
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