VANCOUVER, October 25, 2004 -- Member of Parliament (Vancouver Centre) Hedy Fry, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Liza Frulla, today announced funding of $250,000 for the Creative City Network of Canada. This funding will enable the organization to continue to establish links connecting some 300 professionals from more than 100 cities and municipalities in every part of the country."I am very pleased that Vancouver is the home of this organization, whose energy is felt throughout Canada," said Dr. Fry. "The Creative City Network highlights best practices for the benefit of municipal employees who foster the development of arts and culture in our communities.""Our Government recognizes that cities and municipalities are key partners in helping all Canadians gain access to culture and the arts," said Minister Frulla. "Arts and culture are essential elements of our lives. They contribute to the economy and to the quality of life in our communities, making them more dynamic."The Creative City Network of Canada brings together arts and culture professionals from the municipal sector, giving them the opportunity to share their experiences and increase their knowledge base. This pooling of ideas helps municipal representatives improve conditions for local artists and cultural bodies.Funding is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Networking Initiatives Component of its Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program. This component supports national networking projects involving municipal cultural officials or managers of stabilization projects. It seeks to establish, improve, or strengthen local arts and heritage sectors. Networking projects must be national in scope and work toward developing the capacity of participants in these sectors. The Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program is part of the Tomorrow Starts Today initiative, which has been renewed for a fourth year with $207 million in funding.The funding announced today was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget.Information:Donald BoulangerPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage(819) 997-7788 Barb SnelgroveSpecial Advisor, Communications Office of the Honourable Hedy Fry, P.C.,MP(604) 666-0651 Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
