Brendan Hanley
Brendan Hanley
Member of Parliament for Yukon
Government of Canada supports Yukon’s Francophone community
March 5, 2025
WHITEHORSE, February 24, 2025 Supporting official language minority communities is vital in promoting linguistic diversity and cultural vitality while ensuring people have access to important services in their own language. Today, Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament (Yukon), announced a $185,735 investment in la Société des immeubles franco-yukonnais. He made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Rachel Bendayan, Minister of Official Languages and Associate Minister of Public Safety. The funding, through the Community Spaces Fund of the Official Languages Support Programs, will allow the Société to renovate le Centre de la francophonie in Whitehorse, a services hub and gathering place for Yukon’s Francophone community. Enhancements include soundproofing offices, upgrading flooring, repairing roofing and modernizing reception areas. These updates will create a contemporary, functional and welcoming space for staff and community members. Each year, more than 3,500 people rely on services and support through le Centre de la francophonie. It provides facilities to a number of important organizations, including the Association franco-yukonnaise, the representative organization for Yukon’s Francophone community, as well as the Partenariat communauté en santé, the Francophone health network in Yukon, and l'Aurore boréale, the territory’s Francophone newspaper.

Quotes

“This investment illustrates our government’s commitment to the development of the Franco-Yukon community and the vitality of French in Yukon. This critical funding will not only support the growth and use of French, but it will also support those who choose to learn, speak and live in French on a daily basis. We are proud to support this important community centre.” — The Honourable Rachel Bendayan, Minister of Official Languages and Associate Minister of Public Safety
“Since it first opened its doors nearly 25 years ago, le Centre de la francophonie has been an anchor for Francophones, Francophiles and community service groups in Yukon. The infrastructure upgrades this funding will support will help ensure the ongoing work of la Société des immeubles franco-yukonnais to provide access to essential services and meeting spaces in a modernized, dynamic environment.” — Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament (Yukon)
“We are very pleased to have received this funding for the SIFY to support renovations at le Centre de la francophonie. Thanks to this important contribution from Canadian Heritage, the Association franco-yukonnaise, the Partenariat communauté en santé and the l’Aurore boréale newspaper will be able to offer their services in an improved, welcoming and dynamic environment that reflects our Franco-Yukoner community.” — Edwine Veniat, President, Société des immeubles franco-yukonnais, and Board Chair, Association franco-yukonnaise

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Main office - Whitehorse
204 Black Street Suite 204
Whitehorse, Yukon
Y1A 2M9

Telephone:
867-668-6565

Fax:
867-668-6570
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House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

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