NEW CENTRE SCOLAIRE COMMUNAUTAIRE DE MOOSE JAW CELEBRATED AT SOD-TURNING

Construction on the new Centre scolaire communautaire de Moose Jaw was celebrated this morning in a sod-turning ceremony. The Centre will be the new home of École fransaskoise de Moose Jaw and l'Association communautaire fransaskoise de Moose Jaw.

The Canada-Saskatchewan Auxiliary Agreement to construct and renovate the Community and School Centre in Moose Jaw was signed at the end of March. The province committed approximately $3.6 million under this agreement while the Government of Canada contributed approximately $1.2 million.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to building healthy and dynamic Francophone communities across the province," Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said on behalf of Learning Minister Andrew Thomson. "This community and school centre promises to be a huge boost to the already vibrant Francophone community in Moose Jaw and will ultimately benefit all Saskatchewan residents."

The École fransaskoise de Moose Jaw's new pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 facility, to be housed in the Centre, is an addition and renovation of the former Alexander School. Construction of the Centre will start soon and the opening of the facility is anticipated for the fall of 2006.

"This ceremony marks a turning point in the history of Ecole fransaskoise de Moose Jaw and the Francophone community," Conseil scolaire fransaskois chair Paul Hounjet said. "Thanks to this project, partnerships have been forged that will continue to benefit the community as a whole for years to come."

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For More Information, Contact:

Nelson Wagner Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-6040

Dena Allen Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-7791