January 20, 2020
Province Renews Three-Year Funding Agreement Between Francophone Affairs Secretariat and 233-ALLO
– – –Keeping Manitobans Informed About the Francophone Community and French-language Services: Squires
The Manitoba government has renewed a three-year funding agreement in support of 233-ALLÔ, a French-language information service offered by the Société de la francophonie manitobaine, Municipal Relations Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for francophone affairs, announced today.
“The renewal of this agreement ensures the continued delivery of this important service, which helps to keep Manitobans informed about the francophone community and French-language services available in our province,” said Squires. “It also supports the objectives of The Francophone Community Enhancement and Support Act and The Bilingual Service Centres Act.”
233-ALLÔ was created in 1989, with a mandate to offer information about the francophone community and services available in French in Manitoba. Its services include a telephone information line, a community calendar and a directory of services in French. 233-ALLÔ also collaborates with Manitoba’s six Bilingual Service Centres, offering seamless information services between the francophone community and government bodies.
“The Francophone Affairs Secretariat is delighted this key partnership between the province and the community is being extended for another three years,” said Teresa Collins, executive director. “The Bilingual Service Centres are committed to their role in ensuring the ongoing support of our francophone community through this collaboration.”
“We are thrilled to continue collaborating with the province on the promotion of French language services in Manitoba,” said Christian Monnin, president of the Société de la francophonie manitobaine. “233-ALLÔ is truly the gateway to Manitoba’s francophone community and we are pleased the government recognizes its significance.”
Squires noted the funding includes an annual grant of $72,500 to support the operations of 233-ALLÔ. The renewed agreement extends the service until March 31, 2022. The annual grant from the province is matched by federal funds leveraged under the Canada–Manitoba Agreement on French-Language Services, for total funding of $145,000 per year.
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