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.
Today, the Honourable 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.
