The Government of Canada Supports the Development of Arts and Culture in Francophone Minority Communities
News release
OTTAWA, December 6, 2018
Promoting Francophone artists and their achievements contributes to the vitality of our country's official-language minority communities. It is more important than ever to have a strong collaborative and inclusive approach that makes it possible to increase the visibility of artists, organizations, and artistic and cultural industries working in minority communities.
This is why the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, today announced the renewal of the Collaboration Agreement for the Development of Arts and Culture in the Francophone Minority Communities of Canada (the Agreement) for the period from 2018 to 2023, during the annual forum of the Fédération culturelle canadienne-française. Minister Joly also announced total funding of $773,000 for 16 organizations that support action in culture, heritage and the arts in Ontario's official-language minority communities (see attached backgrounder).
The Agreement aims to strengthen collaboration between Francophone minority communities (represented by the Fédération culturelle canadienne-française) and the federal signatory institutions (the Department of Canadian Heritage, National Arts Centre, Canada Council for the Arts, National Film Board of Canada, CBC/Radio-Canada and Telefilm Canada).
The co-signers of the Agreement are working together to strengthen the arts and culture sector in Francophone communities. They ensure that they fully acknowledge the work of artists and cultural organizations, as well as the value and diversity of the Francophone cultural environment. In addition to contributing to the growth and influence of Francophone minority communities, the Agreement makes it possible to promote their contribution to the cultural and artistic wealth of the country.
"Language and culture are a powerful engine for economic and social development. They help strengthen the visibility and vitality of Francophone minority communities throughout the country. Today, we reiterate our government's commitment to work together with the community to better address their needs. Together, let's be strong and proud of what we have accomplished, and let's keep promoting our culture."
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
"This is work that comes full circle today with the Multipartite Agreement. This is a real example of what is meant by concrete co-operation that is mutually beneficial for the arts and culture sectors of Canadian Francophonie and all the federal institutions that join us in the actions that will follow. At a time of great upheavals that undermine the progress and rights of Francophones in terms of full citizen participation, the Agreement we are renewing today with our artistic and cultural partners at the federal level sends a strong and inspiring message about the value we attribute to a strong identity and the growth of Canadian society. "
—Martin Théberge, President, Fédération culturelle canadienne-française
"Supporting the artistic and cultural development of Francophone minority communities contributes to their future, their resilience, their renewal and their influence."
—Simon Brault, Director and CEO, Canada Council for the Arts
Quick facts
The first agreement for the development of arts and culture in the Canadian Francophonie was signed in June 1998. It has been renewed since then, and certain partners have been added.
The Fédération culturelle canadienne-française, founded in 1977, is a national organization whose mission is to promote the artistic and cultural expression of Francophone and Acadian communities. Its network brings together 7 national groups in theatre, literature, song and music, and media and visual arts; 13 organizations working towards cultural and artistic development in 11 provinces and territories; and a group of broadcast networks and an alliance of community radio stations.
The Action Plan for Official Languages 2018–2023: Investing in Our Future, represents the largest federal investment in official languages in our history: $2.7 billion over five years.
The plan offers a vision for the future, new financial support and specific measures to foster the vitality of official-language minority communities and promote French and English from coast to coast to coast.
