News Release Archive
EDUCATION/CULTURE--LA PICASSE-ADDITIONAL FUNDING
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The Department of Education and Culture and Heritage Canada
will each contribute additional funding to complete the
College de l'Acadie Learning Centre of the La Picasse
project and to enhance educational services to the community
of Petit de Grat, Richmond County. Departmental officials
negotiated with Heritage Canada, on behalf of project
organizers, to secure an additional $125,000 to match
funding offered by the province, for a total of a quarter of
a million dollars.
Following the results of an audit, the department determined
construction of La Picasse began without a firm commitment
for the necessary funds to complete the entire project.
Project organizers acknowledge they relied on revenues that
were not realized.
The government has requested the organizing committee take
immediate steps to complete the heating system of the
learning centre and prepare a comprehensive business plan to
ensure the long-term viability of the project. In keeping
with arrangements made with the other learning centres, the
department also asked for clear title to the College de
l'Acadie.
"After careful consideration of the audit, we are prepared
to provide additional support to College de l'Acadie," said
Education and Culture Minister John MacEachern. "However,
our government requires responsible use of public money."
The federal and provincial government have already met their
original commitment to cost share 50-50 a $650,000
contribution towards construction of the College de l'Acadie
learning centre.
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NOTE TO EDITORS: There should be an accent grave on the
first E in College.
Contact: Lisa Bugden 902-424-2795
trp Dec. 18, 1995