Richmond Hill, Ontario
Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs) honour our unique history and identity and play an important role in economic development and diversification. The Government of Canada recognizes the contributions OLMCs and Francophone entrepreneurs have in our economy and society and are committed to ensuring they are supported and able to thrive.
Today, the Honourable Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced an investment of nearly $330,000 for l'Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario (AFO) to collaborate with partners in OLMC communities to develop a strategic vision for sustainable, thriving Francophone communities.
MP Fortier made the announcement during AFO's Congrès Annuel, which brought together more than 300 stakeholders from Francophone communities and organizations to discuss the theme of "Pérennité franco-ontarienne", sustainability of French language and culture in Ontario.
Through this investment, AFO will collaborate with three identified OLMCs, including Cornwall and surrounding region, Windsor-Essex-Kent and Hamilton-Niagara, to develop regional plans that support local economic development and Francophone-led businesses in the regions. The project will also support the development of a roadmap for a centralized OLMC community hub and service centres that will make it easier for community members and business owners to access the resources they need.
This investment builds on a previous FedDev Ontario investment of $1.25 million for AFO, which supported more than 70 Francophone businesses and not for-profit-organizations between 2019 and 2023 in delivering their unique products and services in OLMC communities through the " Effet multiplicateur " program.
The Government of Canada is investing in people, their potential and the possibilities that exist when we support OLMCs. We are committed to addressing economic challenges faced by Francophone communities and organizations, and building on the strengths of each region to facilitate sustainable growth in OLMCs.
