ROGERSVILLE, New Brunswick, January 11, 2019
Over the generations, Canadians have ensured their official languages and cultures thrive. Our two official languages are at the core of our identity and our values. Consequently, ensuring the vitality of Canada's official languages is essential and depends on strong, vibrant communities across the country. The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, was in New Brunswick to announce funding for a promising project focused on ensuring the vitality of the province's official-language minority communities.
Through the Investing in Canada Plan and the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018–2023, $3.2 million has been allocated over two years to the Government of New Brunswick to support the construction of a Cafetorium/Theatre at Étoile de l'Acadie in Rogersville. The 329-seat Cafetorium/Theatre will host arts, cultural and community programming for the local community. Étoile de l'Acadie opened its doors in September 2017 after the local elementary school (École W. F. Boisvert) and high school (École secondaire Assomption) were combined into a single school for kindergarten to grade 12 students.
"Our government recognizes the importance of providing students in official-language minority communities with meaningful cultural experiences that instil pride in their language and culture. With these investments through the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018–2023 and the Investing in Canada Plan, we are supporting efforts to increase the number of cultural activities so the community as a whole can come together and thrive."
— The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
"Our government is pleased this important investment is being made in the community of Rogersville. Today's announcement builds on the provincial government's investment of $9.6 million in a renovation project to convert Étoile de l'Acadie to a K-12 school. The addition of a cafetorium/theatre will be a welcomed asset as it will allow for programming in support of the arts, language and culture of the community."
— Dominic Cardy, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, New Brunswick
"As a member of Parliament, citizen of our beautiful village, and even more importantly a former student of the Rogersville school, it's a huge honour for me to be here with Minister Mélanie Joly to announce funding of $3.2 million for the cafetorium/theatre at our school. This cafetorium is the culmination of 20 years of work by many in our community that comes to fruition today. Thank you, Minister Joly, for recognizing this need and for coming to make this announcement in person. At last, our community will enjoy shows and other cultural events here at home!"
— Pat Finnigan, Member of Parliament (Miramichi–Grand Lake)
Quick facts
The Action Plan for Official Languages proposes additional funding of $499.2 million in addition to current investments of $2.2 billion, which will bring the Government of Canada's total support to almost $2.7 billion over five years.
There are official-language minority communities in every province and territory, each with its own specific realities and needs.
