The Gala de la chanson de Caraquet Receives $60,000 Federal Investment in Support of Its 50th Anniversary

News Release

CARAQUET, February 21, 2018

Serge Cormier, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament (Acadie–Bathurst), today announced $60,000 in funding for the Gala de la chanson de Caraquet to support the “50 ans de chansons!” celebrations for the event’s 50th anniversary. Mr. Cormier made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Two projects will be carried out as part of “50 ans de chansons!”: the “Petit Gala” for young people aged 6 to 13, and a national centre for Acadian songs. Both projects will strengthen and promote Acadian cultural identity.

This funding has been provided through the Development of Official Language Communities component of the Official Languages Funding Programs, which supports organizations and projects that contribute to the vitality of English- and French‑speaking minority communities.

Quotes

“Our official languages are at the heart of who we are. Our government is proud to support the Gala de la chanson de Caraquet and its ‘50 ans de chansons!’ projects—which will provide young Canadians from Acadian and Francophone communities with enriching experiences while supporting the ongoing vitality of these communities.”

—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

“Thanks to the funding announced today, the Gala de la chanson de Caraquet will continue to support the vitality and visibility of the Acadian and Francophone communities in the Atlantic region. The event is more than just a contest—it’s a unique training venue that allows many emerging artists to strengthen their artistic approach and begin a solid career in music. We are proud to have an event like this in the riding of Acadie–Bathurst.”

—Serge Cormier, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament (Acadie–Bathurst)

“We are delighted by Canadian Heritage’s contribution to ‘50 ans de chansons!’ It will enable us to provide a legacy to the community and create two new projects to build the new generation of Francophone singers and songwriters in Acadia, ensuring its future.”

—Geneviève Lanteigne, Executive Director, Gala de la chanson de Caraquet

Quick Facts

  • The mandate of the Gala de la chanson de Caraquet mandate is to teach and raise awareness about French‑language songs for community development purposes.

  • For many young artists from the Atlantic provinces, the Gala is a stepping stone to a professional career.

Associated Links

Contacts

For further information (media only), please contact:

Simon Ross
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca

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