Ontario sent a clear signal of its continued support for the growth and vitality of Francophone communities across the province by investing $1 million through the Francophone Community Grants Program.
Minister of Francophone Affairs, Caroline Mulroney, launched the 2019-20 edition of the program today, and invited francophone organizations and small businesses to submit applications for projects to help strengthen the sustainability of French-speaking communities.
Based on the feedback received from Francophone organizations, businesses and ministry partners in round tables and meetings held across the province, the government has added an economic development and job creation component to the program. This new stream will help francophone entrepreneurs and businesses improve front-line services and better serve their French-speaking clients and partners. To make Ontario open for business and open for jobs, the program will also help train and retain skilled bilingual workers.
In addition, the program continues to invest in local cultural and community initiatives, demonstrating the government’s ongoing support for the Francophone non-profit sector, as well as Ontario’s commitment to protecting and promoting the French language and culture.
“This investment builds on our government’s commitment to improving front-line services for francophones and is part of our plan to support and leverage the economic strengths of Ontario’s Francophonie in order to create and protect jobs,” said minister Mulroney. “By investing in community, cultural and business projects, the program will help strengthen the vitality of francophone communities across Ontario.”
To learn more and to register for an online information session, visit Grants Ontario.
QUICK FACTS
Ontario is investing $1 million in 2019-20 through the Francophone Community Grants Program.
Applicants can apply for grants of up to $25,000 under the Community and Culture stream of the program, and up to $50,000 under its Economic Development stream.
The submission period will close on August 19, 2019. Grant recipients will be announced in the fall.
Online information sessions will be held from late June to mid-July.
