DIEPPE – Our two official languages are at the heart of our Canadian identity. That’s why it’s important to continue supporting our community organizations that make a difference at the grassroots every day. Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, announced a $62.5-million core funding increase over five years for official language community organizations. This additional financial support will go to more than 300 organizations across Canada in fiscal 2023-2024. Notably, it will allow these organizations to:
- cover the increased cost of living;
- cope with rising operating costs;
- offer competitive working conditions to their employees;
- meet recruitment needs and encourage the retention of skilled workers;
- expand services and activities for a larger part of the communities they serve;
- merge several small organizations to improve efficiency.
Minister Boissonnault confirmed the news this morning during his visit to the Dieppe Arts and Culture Centre, where he met with local official language community organizations from New Brunswick.
The government is making this investment as part of the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration, which was unveiled April 26, 2023. It allows the Government of Canada to support initiatives including Francophone immigration, economic development, education, justice, health, arts and culture.
“Every Canadian needs to have the tools and resources to be able to express themselves and be served in the official language of their choice. The investment announced today will allow more than 300 organizations throughout Canada to strengthen their community activities that support our official language minority communities. I am happy to see this record financing take shape on the ground and make a difference for Canadians.” – Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages
“Protecting our official languages is at the heart of what we do every day. Today, I’m very proud to highlight the supplemental funding that will allow organizations like the ones here in Acadie to continue their great work and contribute to the vitality of our communities. These investments are making a big difference here in New Brunswick.’’ – Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, and MP Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe