BURIN, May 14, 2004 -- Bill Matthews, Member of Parliament (Burin--St. George's), on behalf of the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and of the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister of Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today announced a celebration of French music will take place this summer in two communities on the Port-au-Port Peninsula: Cape St. George and Mainland. The Association régionale de la côte ouest (ARCO), a provincial group that promotes community development, is coordinating Festival 2004 as part of celebrations to commemorate 500 years of French presence in Newfoundland and Labrador and the 400th anniversary of the founding of Acadia."This year, we join together to mark two significant milestones in the French heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Mr. Matthews. "The Government of Canada is proud to be a partner in these celebrations in this region and throughout Atlantic Canada.""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," added Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "We recognize the enormous contribution that the Acadian community has made to building Canada and promoting the linguistic duality that is one of the defining characteristics of our great country.""The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency believes strongly that cultural activity can go hand in hand with economic development," said Minister McGuire. "By supporting the 2004 activities in communities throughout the Atlantic region, we are not only commemorating a rich French history and culture, we are also generating economic benefits for the people who live in these communities."ARCO has received funding of $12,000 to cover the travel and performing costs of visiting musicians, as well as the promotion of the music festival. The event is expected to appeal to both local Francophones and visitors to the region. Funding is provided under the Atlantic Canada Cultural and Economic Partnership, a $10-million, three-year initiative, which is funded jointly by the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The Partnership, in effect until March 31, 2005, will stimulate development of cultural industries and highlight the history of Atlantic Canada.Funding for this project was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.Information:Lloyd Piercey Special Assistant Office of Bill Mathews (709) 279 -7818 Mylène DupéréPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage(819) 997-7788Stephen HeckbertDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of ACOA(613) 941-7241
