ST. STEPHEN, May 12, 2004 -- The Government of Canada has chosen June 26, 2004 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of French explorers Sieur de Monts and Samuel de Champlain at Île Sainte-Croix. This announcement was made today by the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of State (Infrastructure) and Member of Parliament (Fredericton), 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).The commemoration project planned, under the guidance of the Sainte-Croix 2004 Coordination Committee, will include an evening show on June 26. The Committee will receive funding of $198,000 to cover the cost of this production.The Government of Canada will also organize an international commemoration ceremony to mark the 400th anniversary of the founding of Acadia, the first French settlement in North America and the first meeting of the Acadian and Aboriginal peoples. This ceremony will take place June 26, 2004 in Bayside, New Brunswick."In 2004, Canadians are celebrating 400 years of the French presence in North America," said Minister Scott. "I am very pleased that the Government of Canada is encouraging community groups like the Sainte-Croix 2004 Coordination Committee that want to organize local activities to highlight the many achievements of the Acadian people. This clearly demonstrates our Government's commitment to recognizing the contribution that all of the peoples of Canada have made to our country's great success.""The settlement on Île Sainte-Croix, in Acadia, was the first step of an adventure that would lead to the colonization of Canada and North America," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "As a result, Canada's national identity owes a great deal to its roots in Acadian culture. Acadian artists and craftspeople have created numerous works that have greatly enriched Canada's culture. As well, the Acadian people have left their mark on our history and our society as a warm, authentic and dynamic community that continues to live by its own traditions, and in its own language.""This landmark anniversary of the first French settlement in North America is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the contribution that Acadians have made to the development of Canada," said Minister McGuire. "I encourage all Canadians to take advantage of this anniversary to explore the life, culture and history of the Acadian people, and to come visit our beautiful part of the country." This funding is provided through the Atlantic Canada Cultural and Economic Partnership, a three-year initiative with a budget of $10 million, funded jointly by the Department of Canadian Heritage and ACOA. In effect until March 31, 2005, the goal of the Partnership is to stimulate economic development in the cultural sector, and help foster historical and cultural diversity in Atlantic Canada. Funding for this initiative provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.Information:Mary Johnson Communications Office of the Honourable Andy Scott (613) 952-1684 Mylène DupéréPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage(819) 997-7788 Stephen HeckbertDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Honourable Joseph McGuire(613) 941-7241
