CHÂTEAUGUAY, May 17, 2004 -- Robert Lanctôt, Member of Parliament (Châteauguay), on behalf of the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced Government of Canada funding for the Canadian Railroad Historical Association to conduct research for an exhibition on Sir William Van Horne, an important figure in Canadian railway history, who was also a collector, philanthropist, and artist."I am very pleased to announce this contribution from the Government of Canada to an institution that has earned an impressive reputation, both regionally and nationally," said Mr. Lanctôt. "Congratulations to the directors, employees, and many volunteers who have worked for years to maintain the Museum's excellent reputation.""Heritage organizations contribute to the vitality and strength of our communities. They are witnesses of our common history, and the guardians of our collective memory. As a result, they help us understand who we are, where we come from, and what values matter to us as a society," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "That is why we are proud to help them fulfill their mission."This financial assistance of $30,000 will allow the Association to conduct preliminary research for a future exhibition on Sir William Van Horne. The goal of this undertaking will be to shed light on the significant role that Van Horne played as a philanthropist and promoter of Canadian landscape art while he was Chairman of the Canadian Pacific Railroad.The non-profit Canadian Railroad Historical Association works to preserve and distribute information and illustrations related to Canada's railway heritage. It also acquires artifacts, archival documents and other materials that illustrate the development of rail technology in Canada. The Association manages the Canadian Railway Museum in Delson/Saint-Constant, home of the largest collection of railroad equipment and artifacts in Canada, and one of the most significant in North America.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Access and National Outreach component of the Museums Assistance Program. Funding for this initiative was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.Information:Stéphane ChartierSpecial AssistantOffice of Robert Lanctôt(450) 699-3360 Mylène DupéréPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage(819) 997-7788
