Government of Canada announces funding to assist francophone organization relaunch programming in the West Nipissing region

WEST NIPISSING—Performing arts, culture and heritage play an important role in the lives of residents throughout Northern Ontario. This is why ensuring the recovery of the arts and culture sector remains an important goal for the Government of Canada. Today, Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages, announced that the Government of Canada will provide $113,000 to Conseil des Arts Nipissing Ouest (CANO) to support the relaunch of the organization and its fall programming. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Included in this announcement is a $96,000 grant through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund. An additional $17,000 grant has also been awarded to support artistic programming.
These investments will contribute to the development of organizations hosting events and performances in the arts, culture, and heritage sectors. This project has a major impact in Ontario, in the arts and culture sector, as well as on tourism and economic development.

Le Groupe Swing (LGS), 21 Gun Salute (AC/DC Tribute), Michaël Rancourt-The Jukebox Years, and CCR Reborn (CCR Tribute) are some of the many shows that are being presented by CANO thanks to this important funding announcement.

Additional support for arts, culture and celebrations MP Serré also pointed out that Budget 2022 builds on recent steps that the federal government has taken to ensure opportunities for all Canadians to thrive and to support the recovery of our arts and culture sector, including $500 million for the recovery of the arts, culture, heritage and sports sectors, and to support community-level festivals and other in-person cultural events.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on arts and culture in the Nickel Belt region. This new funding will provide high quality francophone programming to residents in West Nipissing and the entire Nickel Belt area. The funding provided through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund will lead to the recovery of francophone programming throughout the area and I cannot wait to learn about the organization’s success.”