FIVE PROJECTS SELECTED TO RECEIVE FRANCOPHONE INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING

Provincial Secretary Donna Harpauer announced a list of five projects that will receive funding from the Francophone Community Infrastructure Fund (FCIF).

"It is my pleasure to announce the recipients of this fund," Harpauer said. "Saskatchewan is in the midst of growth and prosperity that has not been seen in decades and as our province continues to grow, so too does our francophone community. The FCIF program will go a long way to meet the needs of our francophone communities and strengthen their cultural vitality."

The applicants that will receive funding are:

• Le Relais Community Centre in Saskatoon will receive $50,000 to increase functionality, improve kitchen space and bring the centre up to code;
• The Centre culturel Maillard in Gravelbourg will receive $27,745 for mechanical upgrades to the heating, cooling and plumbing systems;
• The Carrefour des Plaines Community Centre in Regina will receive $10,755 to upgrade its kitchen ceiling and interior space;
• The Rendez-vous Community Centre in Bellevue will receive $8,000 for new flooring; and
• The Carrefour fransaskois Community Centre in Prince Albert will receive $3,500 for a new light and sound system.

The FCIF was established earlier this year to provide funding for infrastructure projects within Saskatchewan's francophone community, providing $100,000 annually for capital projects that:

• Promote and enhance access to francophone culture and the French-language;
• Enhance the quality and use of francophone community facilities; and
• Create greater opportunities to hold events that support cultural vitality.

Funding may be provided for up to two-thirds of the required funds to a maximum of $50,000 per project. All recipients must contribute at least one-third of all eligible costs.

The deadline to submit applications was September 1, 2011.

FCIF is managed by the Francophone Affairs Branch, Office of the Provincial Secretary. Applications are accepted from registered charitable organizations, non-profits and cooperatives applying on behalf of the francophone community.

Application material and additional information on FCIF can be found at www.ops.gov.sk.ca/FCIF.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Jay Teneycke
Office of the Provincial Secretary
Regina
Phone: 306-798-6095
Email: jay.teneycke@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-8630