OTTAWA -- Arts, culture, and official-language organizations in Eastern Ontario are thriving, thanks to investments from the Government of Canada. Funding for 71 projects was announced today by Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament (Ottawa-Orléans), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. The announcement was made alongside leaders from Eastern Ontario's arts, culture, and official-language communities.

This funding supports a wide range of projects across Eastern Ontario, including cultural infrastructure, music festivals, commemorations, community celebrations, and much more, in both official languages.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to promote our culture and invest in our economy," said Minister Moore. "By supporting these projects in Eastern Ontario, our Government is delivering on its commitment to provide Canadians with increased access to the arts in their communities while creating jobs and boosting tourism."

"Arts, culture and official languages are important to this region's economy," said Mr. Galipeau. "Thanks to the work of these organizations, residents and visitors enjoyed live entertainment and local arts and culture this past summer and will continue to have access to various artistic experiences and participate fully in all aspects of Canadian life."

"The Government of Canada's assistance to Franco-Ontarian arts and culture is essential for the sector's smooth functioning and long-term growth," said Marie Ève Chassé, President of the Alliance culturelle de l'Ontario. "Thanks to its support, the artistic and cultural organizations of Francophone Ontario can develop major projects of wide appeal that ensure their ongoing success."

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $2,789,105 through five programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage: the Canada Cultural Investment Fund (Strategic Initiatives Component and Endowment Incentives Component), the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, and the Development of Official-Language Communities Program. For more information about the projects, see the attached backgrounder.