Ontario and Québec Invest More Than $525,000 in 19 Francophone Partnership Projects

Projects developed by Francophone organizations in both provinces contribute to strengthening the Francophonie in priority areas.

TORONTO and QUEBEC. – On the eve of Franco-Ontarian Day, Caroline Mulroney, Ontario Minister of Francophone Affairs, and Sonia LeBel, Québec Minister responsible for Canadian Relations and the Canadian Francophonie, confirmed a joint investment of more than $525,000 under the Cooperation and Exchange Agreement between the Government of Ontario and the Government of Québec with respect to the Francophonie.

This investment will support 19 projects developed jointly by Francophone organizations in both provinces. The majority of these projects are in priority areas such as economic development, education, culture, tourism, youth, and diversity and inclusion.

“Our government is pleased to actively and financially support Ontario’s Francophone community and the Francophonie in Canada,” said Minister Mulroney. “In this regard, collaboration with our partners in Québec is essential and this investment reflects our determination to act together to support the Francophonie and stimulate exchanges between our two provinces, particularly with regard to the French language and culture.” Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophone Affairs

“I am pleased to see the enthusiasm for the call for projects jointly initiated by Quebec and Ontario to strengthen the Francophonie. Our two governments have even exceeded the initial joint investment objective of $500,000 set at the beginning of the year! I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the work of Minister Caroline Mulroney and to mark Franco-Ontarian Day, September 25, and to wish everyone a pleasant celebration.” Sonia LeBel, Minister responsible for Canadian Relations and the Canadian Francophonie.

Under the Cooperation and Exchange Agreement between the Government of Ontario and the Government of Québec with respect to the Francophonie, both provinces are investing more than $525,000 this year to support joint projects that will encourage the development of Francophone culture, capitalize on economic opportunities, and enhance mutual understanding between the Quebec and Franco-Ontarian populations.

Quick Facts

• A joint call for projects was held from June 9 to July 16, 2021. In total, 21 applications were submitted and analyzed by a committee comprised of representatives from the Secrétariat du Québec aux relations canadiennes, the Ministry of Francophone Affairs and the Bureau du Québec à Toronto.

• Nineteen projects were selected and are funded through joint investment of more than $525,000 by the Ontario and Québec governments.

• Selected project will be implemented between September 2021, and March 31, 2022.

• As announced in the 2021 Budget, Ontario is investing $250,000 annually for three years to support interprovincial projects under the Cooperation and Exchange Agreement between the Government of Ontario and the Government of Québec with respect to the Francophonie.

• As part of this Agreement, Québec is agreeing to match Ontario’s investment in project support, bringing its investment to $250,000 for each of the next three years. The Quebec portion of the funding is governed by the Programme d’appui à la francophonie canadienne of the Secrétariat du Québec aux relations canadiennes.

Source Province of Ontario