WELLINGTON, April 8, 2004 -- The Honourable Joe McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Member of Parliament (Egmont), on behalf of the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced the Government of Canada's collaboration with the Francophones de l'âge d'or de l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard on a project that will allow seniors to teach young people the techniques of the craft industry. This activity is part of the celebrations to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Acadia."The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of investing in cultural development in local communities throughout the Atlantic region," said Minister McGuire. "Projects like this one help to create links between generations, as well as to preserve our common heritage and knowledge, and to ensure its legacy.""The craft industry is part of the history and life of all Canadian communities. This industry has continued to enrich and renew itself over several generations, and is a true testament to the cultural vitality of our population," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "I am pleased that the Government of Canada is helping to sustain the Acadian craft industry in Prince Edward Island."The Francophones de l'âge d'or de l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard will receive $22,000 to develop partnerships with youth groups such as the 4-H Club, the Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité, and Jeunesse Acadienne in order for seniors to impart their knowledge of the crafts industry to young artisans. This initiative will focus on the evolution of Acadian crafts since 1604. The first component of the project consists of creating workshops that bring together seniors and young people. The second component involves a trip to St. Mary's Bay, in Nova Scotia. While there, participants can visit local craft boutiques, develop new ideas, discover new methods of production, and create new marketing opportunities. The third component consists of establishing a youth-oriented crafts cooperative in order to sustain the project and to cultivate economic benefits.Funding is provided under the Atlantic Canada Cultural and Economic Partnership, a $10-million, three-year initiative that is funded jointly by the Department of Canadian Heritage and the ACOA. The Partnership, in effect until March 31, 2005, will stimulate economic development in the cultural sector and serve to celebrate the history and the cultural diversity of Atlantic Canada.Funding for this project was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.Information:Stephen Heckbert Director of communications Office of the Minister of ACOA (613) 941-7241 Mylène Dupéré Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage(819) 997-7788
