January 17, 2005 Edmonton, Alberta -- The Government of Canada has committed up to $60 million to commemorate the 100 th anniversary of the founding of the province of Alberta. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and Canadian Heritage will lead Canada's centennial initiatives in Alberta. Western Economic Diversification Canada will deliver the capital legacy projects component and Canadian Heritage will deliver national and local celebrations, as well as commemoration initiatives. "Since joining Confederation in 1905, Alberta has played an important role in the growth and development of our nation," said the Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. "The Government of Canada is proud to play a part in recognizing the province's historical contributions and in helping to provide a lasting legacy that will allow Albertans and visitors alike to celebrate and learn about this great province, its culture and its people." "Canada's centennial initiatives will put the spotlight on Alberta in 2005," said the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport). "The capital legacy projects will leave a mark on the province for years to come, contributing to a stronger economic and social foundation for future generations." "Alberta's centennial year presents a great opportunity to celebrate and to highlight the province's important contribution to Canada's economic, cultural, and social vitality," said Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla. "Canadians across the country are invited to take part in the celebration." WD will deliver the $55.2 million in federal centennial funding allocated to capital legacy proje cts that Albertans and visitors alike can enjoy. Projects selected for funding include the Provincial Museum of Alberta, the Edmonton Art Gallery and the Glenbow Museum. The Department of Canadian Heritage will provide up to $3. 5 million to support centennial commemoration and celebration initiatives. This funding will help finance various events, including Canada Day celebrations in Edmonton, and will allow non-governmental organizations to plan activities to mark Alberta's centennial. The contributions announced in Alberta and Saskatchewan are in addition to the $1.4 million that Canadian Heritage will provide for the Royal Visit scheduled for May 2005 in both provinces. The Government of Canada has a history of recognizing and 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. Funding for this initiative is provided for in the Government of Canada fiscal framework. - 30 - For additional information, contact: Donna Kinley A/Manager, Consultation, Marketing and Communications Western Economic Diversification Canada Phone: (780) 495-6892 Alexander Swann Director of Communications Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Phone: (613) 991-2863 Jean-Philippe Côté Director of Communications 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 Government of Canada Centennial Initiatives in Alberta Canada centennial initiatives of the Government of Canada will commemorate and celebrate the 100 th anniversaries of Alberta and Saskatchewan joining Confederation. Through these initiatives, the Government of Canada is investing up to $100 million. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) will manage $92 million of this total and Canadian Heritage (PCH) will deliver up to $8 million. In Alberta, the Government of Canada is investing up to $60 million in centennial initiatives. A total of $55.2 million will be allocated over a two-year period to support legacy projects that will have a significant, lasting impact on the sustainability and quality of life in the province. The balance will be directed to support centennial celebrations and commemorative activities. Projects selected for funding fall into one or both of the following categories: Legacy - Capital infrastructure projects that will have long lasting economic and social benefits for community development while recognizing the Government of Canada's contribution to centennial celebrations. Celebrations, Commemoration and Learning - Initiatives that will highlight and celebrate both provinces' places in Confederation, instill local and national pride, foster a sense of community, and encourage learning among all Canadians to strengthen Confederation. The following criteria were considered for project selection: Address Government of Canada priorities; Allow for broad-based accessibility to Albertans and others to celebrate culture and history; Link to activities of other levels of government and national celebrations; Avoid duplication of existing programs; and, Leverage other funding. Projects selected for funding meet the Terms and Conditions of WD's Western Diversification Program. The legacy projects that have been selected for funding are: Provincial Museum of Alberta Edmonton Art Gallery Glenbow Museum Heritage Park Pavilion Museum of the Regiments Healing Gardens - Alberta Children's hospital Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Program The Government of Canada is investing a total of $30 million in the Provincial Museum of Alberta and $1 million in the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Program. All projects are being reviewed, and final funding for the remaining projects is being determined as part of this review process. In addition to the up to $60 million worth of capital legacy projects and celebration and commemorative events being announced today, the Government of Canada is investing in projects not included in Canada centennial initiatives funding that will put Alberta in the spotlight in 2005. These initiatives include the production of a commemorative coin to mark the centennial of Alberta and Saskatchewan, and a showcase of emerging and established Alberta artists called "Alberta Scene," which is taking place at the National Arts Centre and in venues across Ottawa between April 28 and May 10, 2005.
