Today is a celebration of the 400-plus-year history and culture of Ontario’s rich and dynamic Francophone community.
In honour of Franco-Ontarian Day, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli is announcing that the Ontario government is providing $285,000 to Les Compagnons des francs loisirs through four provincial funding streams.
“We celebrate September 25th in our schools, in our public spaces and on the grounds of Queen's Park,” says Fedeli. “This day is an opportunity for our government to honour the members of our Franco-Ontarian community and thank them for their dedication and determination to make our province a place that reflects their ambitions, interests and values. We wish each and every one of you a wonderful Franco-Ontarian Day and we would like to thank Les Compagnons for putting on our local Francophone events.”
See related: Les Compagnons serving the Francophone community for 60 years
"As we gather on this Franco-Ontarian Day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Ontario government for their unwavering support of our vibrant French community. Together, we have proven that when we stand united with a common purpose, our strength knows no bounds. It is through this collective effort that we ensure a brighter future for all. Our population is the ultimate beneficiary of this dynamic synergy, and as we celebrate today, let us remember that together, we continue to enrich the tapestry of Ontario with our language, heritage, and shared dreams," say Sébastien Goyer et Arnaud Claude of Les Compagnons.
The funding breakdown:
- $70,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Grant’s Internship Program, to support staff assisting with communications and coordinating special projects.
- $21,560 through the 2023 Experience Ontario Grant to support the Festival Franco-Ontarois.
Also included:
- $169,000 through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Community Resilient Fund will help build its resilience and sustainability by equipping ourselves with technologies and automation to adapt, improve and expand our programs and services based on a community consultation process.
- $25,000 through the Seniors Community Grant Program, to support their seniors' program called Passepart vie active pour les ainés.