December 20, 2004 Regina, Saskatchewan -- The Government of Canada has committed up to $40 million to commemorate the 100 th anniversary of the creation of the province Saskatchewan. There are two departments leading the federal Centennial initiative "Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan" The federal government's regional agency in the West, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) will deliver the capital legacy components for Saskatchewan projects. The funding will provide one-time assistance to Saskatchewan communities to make significant investments in community-based capital legacy projects. The Department of Canadian Heritage ensures the commemorative and celebratory components surrounding Saskatchewan's Centennial. An amount up to $3.1 million dollars will help finance events such as Canada Day in Regina and the celebrations surrounding the Canada Games. It will also enable non-government organizations to organize activities related to the province's Centennial. "The Government of Canada is providing Saskatchewan communities with the opportunity to make improvements to their most valued public facilities. Our commemorative activities will benefit Saskatchewan's people for years to come," said Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance and Saskatchewan's representative in the Federal Cabinet. "The Government of Canada is committed to regional economic and sustainable development." "All of Canada will be celebrating with Saskatchewan residents next year," said the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport). "The federal Centennial initiatives will help Saskatchewan communities create lasting legacies to maintain a robust economy and vibrant communities." "During 2005, Canadians from all over the country will have a chance to celebrate Saskatchewan's Centennial by taking part in a variety of events," said Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla. "This is a good occasion to underline the rich heritage of Saskatchewan and its citizens' important contributions to the economic, cultural and social vitality of our country." Under the Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan initiative, WD will deliver the $36.8 million in federal centennial funding allocated to capital legacy projects. The first component of this initiative is $14 million to support community projects for municipalities and First Nations communities outside of Regina and Saskatoon. Projects will leave a lasting legacy of the Centennial in every Saskatchewan community by assisting with the purchase or improvement of community assets for the enjoyment and benefit of all residents. The Government of Canada has a history of celebrating national milestones including the 100 th anniversary of Confederation in 1967 and other provincial centennials. "Canada from East to West" is the theme for 2005 national celebrations, acknowledging the Centennials of Alberta and Saskatchewan as well as the Royal Visit planned for May 2005. Funding for this initiative is included in the fiscal framework. For additional information, contact: Joanne Mysak Manager, Communications Western Economic Diversification Canada Saskatoon, SK Tel: (306) 975-5942 E-mail: joanne.mysak@wd.gc.ca Donald Boulanger Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women (819) 997-7788 WD Toll-Free Number 1-888-338-WEST (9378) World Wide Web Site: English: http://www.wd.gc.ca French: http://www.deo.gc.ca Backgrounder Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan "Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan" is a Government of Canada initiative to commemorate and celebrate Saskatchewan's Centennial in 2005. A total allocation of $14 million for the period starting January 1, 2005 and ending March 31, 2006 is available to Saskatchewan communities. The initiative will provide one-time contributions of up to 100% of total project costs to the maximum approved for the community. Funding will be on a per-capita basis (2001 census and the 2001 Aboriginal Peoples Survey) of $20.00 per person for communities of over 300 people. Smaller communities are eligible to receive funding as follows: Population under 100 $2,000 per community 101-200 Population $4,000 per community 201-300 Population $6,000 per community Eligibility Criteria: Eligible applicants are: rural municipalities, cities, towns, villages, resort villages, First Nations, and northern settlements. Applications will not be accepted from any organization other than those listed. Each eligible applicant may make only one application. Joint applications between eligible applicants and community groups like park boards or museum societies are encouraged in cases where the assets to be purchased will belong to the joint applicant. Community groups may only apply jointly with an eligible applicant as defined above. They are not eligible to apply on their own. Pooled applications from two or more eligible applicants will be accepted where these communities wish to combine their resources to benefit the same project. Eligible projects should provide a legacy of the Centennial celebrations and constitute a lasting investment in the community. They will allow communities to acquire assets that are primarily for public use and benefit in the community. Eligible costs include: Capital costs of acquiring, constructing, renovating or restoring capital assets including community owned park, cultural, sport, recreational, heritage or tourism facilities. Purchase of equipment that complements a community facility. Salaries, fees paid to professional, consultants or contractors specifically engaged for the project. Purchase of equipment for a community facility such as sound systems, appliances or furniture. Ineligible costs include: Legal and real-estate fees Purchase of land Normal operating costs of the municipality Costs incurred prior to project approval Financing fees GST For more information, please contact: Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) Toll Free: 1-888-338-9378 Saskatoon area: (306) 975-4373 Website: www.wd.gc.ca Mail: PO Box 2025, Saskatoon SK S7K 3S7 Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan • Le Canada célébre la Saskatchewan
