Governments participate in groundbreaking ceremony for
Francophone school and community centre in St. John�s

Senator Joan Cook, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, and Minister of Education for Newfoundland and Labrador John Ottenheimer, today joined representatives of the Francophone community and the City of St. John�s for the groundbreaking ceremony of a Francophone school and community centre in St. John�s.

"These schools and community centres play a fundamental role in preserving and promoting French language and culture in Francophone communities across the country. This centre will be the 20^th of its kind in Canada," said Senator Cook. "I am pleased to take part in this ceremony, which marks an historic moment for Francophones in St. John�s, who can take pride in the initiative and solidarity they have shown in making this centre a reality."

"The Department of Education recognizes and appreciates the importance of French language education, not only to the Francophone community, but to the province as a whole," said Minister Ottenheimer. "This new school and community centre will strengthen the achievements and contributions of Francophone students, teachers, parents, and the community at large, and will help all citizens come to a better understanding of the rich and vibrant Francophone culture."

This project was made possible through a partnership between the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador. Through its Official Languages Support Programs, the Government of Canada will provide $3 million in funding for the community centre component, while the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will provide $2.4 million for the school component of the building.

The new Francophone school and community centre is expected to open in the fall of 2004, coinciding with the celebrations marking 500 years of French presence in Newfoundland and Labrador, and the 400^th anniversary of the founding of Acadia.

Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. Provincial funding for the project was approved by the Education Investment Corporation in 2001.

Media contact:

Nora Daly, Department of Education
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, (709) 729-1906

Naline Rampersad, Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, (8l9) 997-7788

2003 11 22                                        10:30 a.m.