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News Release
May 24, 2006

Kingston Becomes the 25^th Designated Area

McGuinty Government Reaffirms Its Commitment To Ontario's Francophone Community

TORONTO – The designation of Kingston under the French Language Services Act demonstrates once again the McGuinty government's strong commitment to the vitality of Ontario's Francophone community, Francophone Affairs Minister Madeleine Meilleur announced today.

"This designation is further evidence of the government's desire to promote strong and prosperous communities," said Meilleur. "I am extremely pleased that the Francophone community of Kingston will have greater opportunities in the future and increased access to French-language services as this year marks the 20th anniversary of the French Language Services Act."

All government offices located in Kingston will offer French-language services effective May 1, 2009. The Office of Francophone Affairs and involved ministries and agencies will work closely with the Francophone community of Kingston to ensure an efficient implementation.

"More comprehensive French-language services will promote a real sense of belonging among Ontario's Francophones, whose contribution to the province's economic prosperity can only be enhanced by this designation," added Meilleur.

"Kingston's designation reflects the growth and vitality of Ontario's Francophone population, not just in Kingston but throughout Ontario," added John Gerretsen, MPP for Kingston and the Islands.

"This designation is the culmination of a concerted effort on the part of Kingston's Francophone community," stated the Executive Director of the Thousand Islands Chapter of ACFO, Jeannine Proulx. "We are very pleased by the community's commitment and the government's willingness to have Kingston become the 25th designated area, an important milestone for the region's Francophones."

This important announcement reflects the government's continuing commitment to strong Francophone families and communities. Other recent examples of this commitment include:

• The creation of the Ontario Francophonie Awards, created by the government of Ontario to recognize the many people who have made valuable contributions to the advancement of the French language and culture in Ontario
• Grants to seven Ontario French-language arts and culture groups through the Cultural Strategic Investment Fund
• A $15-million investment to enhance Francophone, rural, northern and First Nation libraries
• Funding for Destination Nord to promote tourism in Northern Ontario to Francophones
• The creation of an advisory committee on French-language postsecondary education
• An extensive program of celebrations marking the 20^th anniversary of the French Language Services Act.

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Contacts:
Carole Drouin
Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Honourable Madeleine Meilleur
Minister of Community and Social Services
Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs
416 325-5219

Charles Jean Sucscan
Senior Manager, Strategic Communications
Office of Francophone Affairs
416 325-4968

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