Investing in community infrastructure is essential to ensuring the development of official-language minority communities and their cultural, social and economic vitality.
Today, Sean Casey, Member of Parliament (Charlottetown), and the Honourable Natalie Jameson, PEI Minister of Education and Early Years, announced a total of $21 million in support over four years for École François-Buote and the Carrefour de l'Isle-Saint-Jean. They made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages.
This funding is part of an expansion and modernization project aimed at strengthening community infrastructure serving the region's Acadian and Francophone community. Specifically, the Government of Canada is providing nearly $8 million over four years, while the Government of Prince Edward Island is providing $13 million over the same period.
The project includes the addition of 40,000 square feet of space and the renovation of 3,000 square feet in the community's flagship institution. This investment will not only expand community kitchen, but also make it possible to build a second gym. These new facilities will be specially designed to meet the needs of primary and secondary school students, as well as to make it possible to hold sporting and cultural activities for the Francophone community.
The Centre de la petite enfance l'Île Enchantée will benefit from significant changes to its existing spaces to accommodate more children, which will help meet the growing demand for child care services. Additional community spaces will be created, including administrative offices, a reception area, an activity centre and recreation areas for the well-being of users.
Federal investment is being provided to the portion of the project related to the expansion of the community centre and to shared spaces, such as the gym. This financial support reflects the Government of Canada's commitment to building strong local infrastructure and fostering the vitality of official-language minority communities across the country.
This funding is provided through the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration, which was unveiled on April 26, 2023. It enables the Government of Canada to support measures that affect Francophone immigration, economic development, education, justice, health, and arts and culture.
