News

$50,000 to Support Local French-Language Services

NIPISSING — Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced the Ontario Government is investing $50,000 to Les Compagnons des francs loisirs through the Francophone Community Grants Program (FCGP). Today’s funding provides support to local French-language services and is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, supporting the economic, social, and cultural development of Francophone communities across the province.

“Our government understands the important role played by Francophone communities in Ontario,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “This funding for the projects of Les Compagnons des francs loisirs will support the cultural and economic vitality of the Francophonie, which will continue to help grow our community and local economy for years to come.”

« Ce soutien permettra de célébrer le 50ᵉ anniversaire du drapeau franco-ontarien tout en favorisant l’enrichissement culturel et la vitalité économique de notre communauté francophone dans la région du Nipissing. C’est une belle occasion de mettre en lumière notre patrimoine, notre créativité et le dynamisme de nos entreprises locales. »  – Arnaud Claude, Directeur des Compagnons des francs loisirs.

“This support will help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag while promoting cultural enrichment and the economic vitality of our Francophone community in the Nipissing region. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase our heritage, creativity, and the dynamism of our local businesses.” – Arnaud Claude, Directeur des Compagnons des francs loisirs.

The FCGP plays a key role in strengthening the development of the Franco-Ontarian community by supporting non-profit organizations, social enterprises, and businesses that deliver French-language services or serve Francophone markets.

Through the FCGP, Ontario’s broader investment will help 71 organizations and businesses around the province strengthen the cultural and economic impact of Franco-Ontarians by expanding service offerings, improving employee training, increasing community outreach, and expanding hiring.

QUICK FACTS

• The call for proposals in 2025–2026, launched last April, attracted a record-breaking 179 project submissions, demonstrating that this program meets real needs on the ground by supporting Franco-Ontarians’ contributions to the province’s economic and cultural development.
• The FCGP includes two funding streams. This year, 62 projects are supported under the Community and Culture stream, and 9 projects under the Economic Development stream.
• The federal government is providing a $1 contribution million to FCGP under the Canada–Ontario Agreement on Minority-Language Services.
• The launch date for 2026–2027 applications for FCGP will be announced in early 2026

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Francophone Community Grants Program (FCGP)
• Funding opportunities offered by the Government of Ontario
• Ontario’s Francophone Economic Development Strategy