Today, Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages, announced that l'Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario (AFO) will receive $24,900 to evaluate the demand and educational needs of Francophones in the region to help the University of Sudbury enhance its programming. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.

“Today’s announcement of FedNor funding will help the University of Sudbury better identify the educational needs of French-speakers in the region, and ensure that programming supports them well. My thanks to MP Serré for making this announcement with partners, and for his advocacy. This is another example of how FedNor is supporting Greater Sudbury’s vibrant Francophone community.”

- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor

“I’m thrilled that FedNor is stepping-up efforts to strengthen the social and economic vitality of Official Language Minority Communities here in Greater Sudbury-Nickel Belt and beyond. This exciting project will help ensure Francophones have access to educational opportunities that work for them and benefit the University of Sudbury. This truly is a win-win project that will enrich the lives of Francophones and Francophiles throughout the region.”

- Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages

“Investing in the educational needs of our Francophone community will ultimately lead to enhanced programming, maximized resources, and meaningful opportunities. For Sudbury, the University and its students, this investment will serve as a springboard to reach new heights while better meeting the needs our Francophone community.”

- Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury

“The future of French-language postsecondary education in the Mid-North region depends on the University of Sudbury – the Franco-Ontarian community has been clear on this. The AFO is grateful for FedNor’s important and vital support, which will allow us to provide the University of Sudbury with the information it needs to ensure the success of its transformation. This project is essential to the development of the economic, social and cultural vitality of French Ontario and the entire Mid-North region.”

- Carol Jolin, Chair, l'Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario

• Administered by .FedNor in Northern Ontario, the Economic Development Initiative (EDI) is supported through the Government of Canada's Action Plan for Official Languages – 2018-2023: Investing in Our Future, which reaffirms the Government of Canada's commitment to the promotion of official languages and the vitality of official language minority communities

• Over five years, FedNor is receiving $4 million for eligible projects through the EDI, including business and economic development activities that support innovation, economic diversification and business growth.

• L'Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario (AFO) is a non-profit organization with a mandate to support the province's Francophone community and act as a spokesperson, among other things, to claim the rights of the 744,000 Franco-Ontarians. As the driving force behind the Vision 2025 community strategic plan, the AFO ensures that all of its regular activities incorporate the development priorities of French Ontario reflected in all four strategic pillars: growth and vitality; attraction and retention; participation and celebration; and, consultation and organization.

Associated links

• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca
• Follow us on Twitter @FedNor

Alison Murphy, Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
Alison.Murphy@sac-isc.gc.ca

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations