Government Funding Announced for Home from The Sea Foundation
News Release
Federal and provincial government investments will strengthen a key tourism asset in Elliston
July 18, 2017 – Elliston, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Government investments in the Home from The Sea Foundation will help to enhance programming at the John C. Crosbie Sealers Interpretation Centre that will contribute to the centre’s long-term success and further strengthen tourism opportunities in the area.
The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced an investment of $157,783 from ACOA’s Business Development Program for Home from The Sea Foundation, while Neil King, MHA for the District of Bonavista, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation announced a provincial investment of $57,879 for the project.
These investments will enable the Home from The Sea Foundation to continue the development of experiential and educational programming at the John C. Crosbie Sealers Interpretation Centre and Sealers Memorial Site. The Home from The Sea Foundation will develop a new strategic business plan and undertake marketing initiatives, including website design and development, as well as develop a creative plan to enhance visitor experiences and tourism-related activities in Elliston.
The primary mandate of the Home from The Sea Foundation is to create and maintain a lasting memorial to those who lost their lives while participating in the province’s sealing industry. This includes the continued maintenance and sustainability of the John C. Crosbie Sealers Interpretation Centre, Memorial Statue and Monument and the interpretive pathway linking the two sites, as well as the development of creative visitor programing and regional partnerships to package the tourism resources in the community.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is committed to investing in projects that help create economic opportunities and strengthen our communities, especially in rural areas. We believe public investment in valuable tourism projects like the work being undertaken by the Home from The Sea Foundation, is the best way to spur economic growth, job creation and long-term prosperity.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA“The Government of Canada understands the importance of partnering with community organizations to foster economic growth and diversification. I commend the Home from The Sea Foundation for the great work it is doing to promote our history and heritage related to our province’s sealing industry as well as the tourism sector in Elliston and surrounding area. This project will enable the foundation to create a stronger tourism product for the future that will increase visitation to the region, improve tourism experiences and foster economic opportunities.”
- The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity
“Today’s investment will provide opportunities for community-based growth and diversification in the Elliston area, as well as create a positive economic impact as more visitors travel to experience this unique attraction. I applaud the Home from The Sea Foundation’s work, as they honour an integral part of our heritage, and wish the group luck in executing their vision for very important aspect our province’s history.”
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“The work done by Home from the Sea Foundation is invaluable, and I want to recognize the benefit it has on our community. The $157,783 investment from the provincial government and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is a wonderful opportunity to expand on Elliston’s already strong tourism industry, and bring numerous benefits for the community at large.”
- Neil King, MHA, District of Bonavista
Contacts
Paul McGrath
Director, Public Affairs
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Eric Humber
Media Relations Manager
Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Marilyn Coles-Hayley
Executive Director
Home from The Sea Foundation
709-476-3003
mcoleshayley@homefromthesea.ca