Ontario is celebrating four centuries of important cultural, social and economic contributions by the Franco-Ontarian community with the launch of its
Ontario 400th Celebrations Program.
The program offers project-based funding to community organizations, municipalities and others to help plan local cultural and tourism events that commemorate the 400th anniversary of francophone presence in Ontario. The events will help boost tourism and create jobs, as visitors from across the province, Canada and the world join in the celebrations.
Local events marking the 400th anniversary will take place in communities throughout the summer and fall of 2015, including at the
TORONTO 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games.
Investing in local communities is part of the government's economic plan for Ontario. The four- part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.
Quick Facts
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Up to $1.4 million is available to community organizations, municipalities and others to help plan events that recognize and celebrate the 400th anniversary of francophone presence in Ontario.
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The deadline to apply to the Ontario 400th Celebrations Program is February 11, 2015, at 5 p.m.
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Ontario will be hosting a webinar on Monday, January 12, 2015 to answer questions about the program and help with applications.
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The 2015 Commemoration marks the 400th anniversary of French explorer Samuel de Champlain’s passage through Ontario.
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More than 600,000 Francophones live in Ontario. This is the largest French-speaking community in Canada outside of Quebec.
Additional Resources
Read the
Media Release from the Office of Francophone Affairs.