Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament (Nipissing-Timiskaming), announced funding today of $308,600 for two Franco-Ontarian organizations in the Temiskaming District. This announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.
The two Franco-Ontarian organizations are the Association canadienne-française de l'Ontario, région-Témiskaming (ACFO) and the Centre culturel ARTEM.
The ACFO will receive $149,850 over three years from Canadian Heritage's Official Languages Support Programs to support several French-language community programs in the region, including activities to celebrate the Francophone community such as the Journée Franco-Ontarienne and Franco Fun. The funding will also support the organization's work with seniors and youth and strengthen ties among all communities, including with Indigenous communities.
Canadian Heritage's Official Languages Support Programs will also provide $101,250 over three years to the Centre culturel ARTEM to support cultural activities and develop partnerships with majority-language community organizations, Métis and First Nations, as well as to ensure a Francophone presence in community events.
An additional investment of $57,500 from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) will support the Centre culturel ARTEM in hiring a youth intern for a period of 18 months. This position will be focused on support for small and medium-sized businesses in the region, social media, data management, and the planning for the Village Noël Temiskaming, which will take place from November 21 to 23, 2024.
