La Voix acadienne, the province's primary french language newspaper, has received funding from the Community Development Fund. The money will be used to help La Voix increase its coverage of events in Island communities and enhance the quality of its newspaper.
"The Francophone community on the Island is becoming more and more recognized for it's important contribution to Island life," said Marcia Enman, general manager of the weekly newspaper. " By expanding our newspaper, we hope to better reflect the activities of this very dynamic community."
La Voix is run by a non profit organization. Its headquarters are in Summerside and it serves the entire French speaking community of the province. The $5,000 grant will allow La Voix to purchase new computers, a printer and digital cameras.
Support from the Community Development Bureau recognizes the importance of the Francophone community to the Island. The Bureau is composed of Ministers from four departments of government. It supports projects which help communities to become or remain sustainable.
"Sometimes I think we have to expand our idea of community beyond just a geographic area," said Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology. "In this case, I think community applies to a group across the Island, one whose contribution to our province we value and support."
Presentation of the cheque to La Voix Acadienne was made today by Wilfred Arsenault, MLA for Evangeline - Miscouche.
La Voix Acadienne hopes to have its new equipment up and running within a few months.