Parliamentary Secretary René Arseneault Announces an Investment of Close to $3 million for Official Languages in Nova Scotia - Canada NewsWire | Canada News Media
The Government of Canada provides funding for upgrades at Université Sainte-Anne and supports 18 official-language organizations in Nova Scotia
POINTE-DE-L’ÉGLISE, NS, Aug. 31, 2020 /CNW/ – Promoting our two official languages helps keep Canada’s communities vibrant and engaged, and allows citizens to be open to the benefits of linguistic duality.
At a virtual announcement this morning, René Arseneault, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Official Languages)— along with Darrell Samson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament (Sackville–Preston–Chezzetcook), and representatives of Université Sainte-Anne—unveiled $579,500 in funding to upgrade the learning spaces and technological infrastructure at the campus of Université Sainte-Anne in Pointe-de-l’Église. This announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages. Funding for the project comes from the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018‒2023: Investing in our Future. It will be used to purchase technological equipment and furnishings, and to renovate the interior of five heavily used learning spaces. These renovations include the conversion of the Chapelle Gustave-Blanche into a 150-seat amphitheatre and the transformation of an existing learning space into a “makerspace” designed to foster ideas, discussion and group work at the Centre de l’entrepreneuriat Louis-E.-Deveau.
Parliamentary Secretary Arseneault took the opportunity to reiterate the Government of Canada’s support for groups working to promote official languages in Nova Scotia. Eighteen Francophone organizations will receive a total of $2,116,800 in funding through the Cooperation with the Community Sector sub-component of the Development of Official Language Communities Program. The funds will enable these groups to deliver rich and dynamic annual programming to Nova Scotia’s Acadian and Francophone community.
The investments will strengthen official-language minority communities in Nova Scotia and allow organizations to continue their work to preserve and promote the vitality of these communities’ cultural heritage.
Quotes
“The vitality of our official-language minority communities depends to a large extent on the dynamism of the organizations and groups dedicated to promoting the language and culture of their region. I am very proud to be able to announce this financial support, which will promote Acadia and the Francophonie throughout Nova Scotia.”
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
“We are grateful to Canadian Heritage for supporting this upgrade project, which comes at just the right time. These investments will provide us with the space and technology we need to give classes simultaneously in distance learning and face-to-face mode during the COVID-19 pandemic and into the future. The upgrades are important for the quality of our course offerings.”
—Allister Surette, Rector and Vice Chancellor of Université Sainte-Anne
Quick Facts
The Action Plan for Official Languages 2018‒2023: Investing in our Future reflects the Government of Canada’s overall vision of building a strong Canadian Francophonie and supporting our official-language minority communities.
The Action Plan represents an additional investment of$499.2 million over five years and comprises three pillars: strengthening our communities, enhancing access to services and promoting a bilingual Canada.
Canadian Heritage’s Official Languages Support Programs promote French and English in Canadian society and enhance the vitality of English- and French-speaking minority communities.
There are official-language minority communities in every province and territory across the country, each with their own particular situations and needs.
Associated Links
Client Name
Total Funding in 2020‒2021
L’Acadie de Chezzetcook Association
$32,000
Association du Centre communautaire de la Rive-Sud
$92,000
Association francophone de la Vallée
$92,000
Centre communautaire francophone de Truro
$92,000
Comité provincial des Jeux de l’Acadie, région Nouvelle-Écosse
$58,800
Conseil acadien de Par-en-bas
$105,000
Conseil jeunesse provincial de la Nouvelle-Écosse (C.J.P.)
$140,000
Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse
$442,200
Fédération culturelle acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse
$127,800
Fédération des femmes acadiennes de la Nouvelle-Écosse (FFANE)
$78,000
Fédération des parents acadiens de la Nouvelle-Écosse
$82,000
La Picasse, centre communautaire culturel
$105,000
Regroupement des aînés de la Nouvelle-Écosse
$78,000
Société acadienne de Clare
$105,000
Société acadienne Sainte-Croix
$92,000
Conseil communautaire du Grand-Havre
$185,000
Conseil communautaire Étoile de l’Acadie
$105,000
Société Saint-Pierre
$105,000
TOTAL
$2,116,800
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
For further information: For more information (media only), please contact: Alexander Cohen, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, 613-404-9121, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 250 points in late-morning trading, led by strength in the base metal and technology sectors, while U.S. stock markets also charged higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 254.62 points at 23,847.22.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 432.77 points at 41,935.87. The S&P 500 index was up 96.38 points at 5,714.64, while the Nasdaq composite was up 486.12 points at 18,059.42.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.68 cents US compared with 73.58 cents US on Thursday.
The November crude oil contract was up 89 cents at US$70.77 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was down a penny at US2.27 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$9.40 at US$2,608.00 an ounce and the December copper contract was up four cents at US$4.33 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal steps that follow can add even more stress to an already difficult time.
For years, families in Vancouver (and Canada in general) have struggled with a complex probate process—filled with paperwork and legal challenges.
Thankfully, recent changes to Canada’s probate laws aim to make this process simpler and easier to navigate.
Let’s unearth how these updates can simplify the process for you and your family.
What is probate?
Probate might sound complicated, but it’s simply the legal process of settling someone’s estate after death.
Here’s how it works.
Validating the will. The court checks if the will is legal and valid.
Appointing an executor. If named in the will, the executor manages the estate. If not, the court appoints someone.
Settling debts and taxes. The executor (and you) pays debts and taxes before anything can be given.
Distributing the estate. Once everything is settled, the executor distributes the remaining assets according to the will or legal rules.
Probate ensures everything is done by the book, giving you peace of mind during a difficult time.
Recent Changes in Canadian Probate Laws
Several updates to probate law in the country are making the process smoother for you and your family.
Here’s a closer look at the fundamental changes that are making a real difference.
1) Virtual witnessing of wills
Now permanent in many provinces, including British Columbia, wills can be signed and witnessed remotely through video calls.
Such a change makes estate planning more accessible, especially for those in remote areas or with limited mobility.
2) Simplified process for small estates
Smaller estates, like those under 25,000 CAD in BC, now have a faster, simplified probate process.
Fewer forms and legal steps mean less hassle for families handling modest estates.
3) Substantial compliance for wills
Courts can now approve wills with minor errors if they reflect the person’s true intentions.
This update prevents unnecessary legal challenges and ensures the deceased’s wishes are respected.
These changes help make probate less stressful and more efficient for you and other families across Canada.
The Probate Process and You: The Role of a Probate Lawyer
(Image: Freepik.com)
Working with a probate lawyer in Vancouver can significantly simplify the probate process, especially given the city’s complex legal landscape.
Here’s how they can help.
Navigating the legal process
Probate lawyers ensure all legal steps are followed, preventing costly mistakes and ensuring the estate is managed properly.
Handling paperwork and deadlines
They manage all the paperwork and court deadlines, taking the burden off of you during this difficult time.
Resolving disputes
If conflicts arise, probate lawyers resolve them, avoiding legal battles.
Providing you peace of mind
With a probate lawyer’s expertise, you can trust that the estate is being handled efficiently and according to the law.
With a skilled probate lawyer, you can ensure the entire process is smooth and stress-free.
Why These Changes Matter
The updates to probate law make a big difference for Canadian families. Here’s why.
Less stress for you. Simplified processes mean you can focus on grieving, not paperwork.
Faster estate settlements. Estates are settled more quickly, so beneficiaries don’t face long delays.
Fewer disputes. Courts can now honor will with minor errors, reducing family conflicts.
Accessible for everyone. Virtual witnessing and easier rules for small estates make probate more accessible for everyone, no matter where you live.
With these changes, probate becomes smoother and more manageable for you and your family.
How to Prepare for the Probate Process
Even with the recent changes, being prepared makes probate smoother. Here are a few steps to help you prepare.
Create a will. Ensure a valid will is in place to avoid complications.
Choose an executor. Pick someone responsible for managing the estate and discuss their role with them.
Organize documents. Keep key financial and legal documents in one place for easy access.
Talk to your family. Have open conversations with your family to prevent future misunderstandings.
Get legal advice. Consult with a probate lawyer to ensure everything is legally sound and up-to-date.
These simple steps make the probate process easier for everyone involved.
Wrapping Up: Making Probate Easier in Vancouver
Recent updates in probate law are simplifying the process for families, from virtual witnessing to easier estate rules. These reforms are designed to ease the burden, helping you focus on what matters—grieving and respecting your dead loved ones’ final wishes.
Despite these changes, it’s best to consult a probate lawyer to ensure you can manage everything properly. Remember, they’re here to help you during this difficult time.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was higher in late-morning trading, helped by strength in energy stocks, while U.S. stock markets also moved up.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 34.91 points at 23,736.98.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 178.05 points at 41,800.13. The S&P 500 index was up 28.38 points at 5,661.47, while the Nasdaq composite was up 133.17 points at 17,725.30.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.56 cents US compared with 73.57 cents US on Monday.
The November crude oil contract was up 68 cents at US$69.70 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was up three cents at US$2.40 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was down US$7.80 at US$2,601.10 an ounce and the December copper contract was up a penny at US$4.28 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024.
