CHURCH POINT, May 3rd, 2004 -- Celebrations to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Acadia will include a new dinner-theatre production about the story of the first French settlers in North America. The Honourable Robert Thibault, Member of Parliament (West Nova), on behalf of the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced Government of Canada support for this production."The Government of Canada is committed to offering all Canadians an opportunity to celebrate historical events that have shaped our country," said Mr. Thibault. "The year 2004 is an important milestone in the development of the Acadian community, which has preserved and celebrated its rich linguistic and cultural heritage over the last four centuries. I am confident that the Acadian community will continue to play an important role in our country's development.""In 2004, Canadians from all over the country, and especially Acadians and Francophones from Atlantic Canada, will celebrate the Francophone heritage that the first French settlers brought to North America," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "The Government of Canada is proud to be a partner in Acadia's 400th anniversary celebrations.""The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Acadian culture," said Minister McGuire. "The economic benefits of celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Acadia are important to Atlantic Canada. Cultural activities and celebrations taking place in Acadian and Francophone communities will create stronger bonds between citizens and foster long-term economic development in the region."Les Araignées du boui-boui theatre company will receive $12,000 to help finance the costs of producing L'Ordre de Bon Temps, a theatrical production about how Samuel de Champlain and his men survived their loneliness and the harshness winter at the time of the founding of Acadia. The premiere performance will be at the opening of the 2004 World Acadian Congress.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 ACOA. The Partnership will stimulate economic development in the cultural sector and celebrate the history and the cultural diversity of Atlantic Canada.Funding for this project was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.Information:Kristan Hines Special Assistant Office of the Honourable Robert Thibault (613) 995-5711 Mylène Dupéré Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage (819) 997-7788 Stephen HeckbertDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the HonourableJoseph McGuire(613) 941-7241
