MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - July 22, 2014) - Department of Canadian Heritage

Robert Goguen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Member of Parliament (Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe), today announced $74,000 in funding over the next two years for the Fédération des jeunes francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick (FJFNB). He made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

A $50,000 contribution (2014-2015) from the Development of Official-Language Communities Program will go toward Tournée de rire, a project that will enable young people to receive training in their language, speak with professional artists and promote an art form that is not well known in New Brunswick.

A $24,000 contribution (2014-2015) from the Enhancement of Official Languages Program will be provided for the Colloque Racines de l'espoir, a project that will help the FJFNB forge closer ties between the Francophone and Anglophone communities of New Brunswick. The project activities will encourage dialogue and raise awareness of Acadian culture in the province among young Anglophones in French immersion.

Quick facts

• Established in 1971, the FJFNB today represents roughly 10,000 young people each year in all Francophone schools in the province.
• The FJFNB's Tournée de rire will reach over 1,500 people and showcase young artists in many areas of New Brunswick.

Quotes

"Our two official languages are at the heart of our identity as Canadians. Our Government is proud to invest in these projects for youth which showcase our linguistic duality and promote the vitality of our communities."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"FJFNB projects enhance young people's sense of belonging to their culture. These projects also encourage them to play an active role in society and promote exchanges with young Anglophones."

-Robert Goguen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Member of Parliament (Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe)

"The funding we have received will be key to the success of our events, which allow young people from all over the province to come and learn and gain new insights while having fun!"

-Marc-André LeBlanc, President, Fédération des jeunes francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick

Associated links

- Development of Official-Language Communities Program

- Enhancement of Official Languages Program

- Fédération des jeunes francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick

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