CHARLOTTETOWN, February 17, 2005 -- Member of Parliament (Charlottetown) Shawn Murphy, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $82,151 in funding for the East Coast Music Association. These funds will enable the Association to carry on its activities and to invite delegates and talent scouts from abroad to its annual conference and awards ceremony, taking place in Sydney, Nova Scotia, from February 17 to 20, 2005. "The East Coast Music Awards and Conference showcases artists from the Atlantic provinces,"said Mr. Murphy. "The funding announced today will enable our creative people to meet members of the international music industry and to show them the range of their talent.""Music unites Canadians of all backgrounds and reflects life in each of our regions," said Minister Frulla. "I am delighted that our government is able to support the Association, with the aim of increasing recognition for those who ensure the vitality of the music industry in Atlantic Canada."The funding announced today has two components. A total of $31,901 will be provided to the Association to enable it to carry on its daily activities and continue offering various services to its members. The Association will also receive $50,250 to invite delegates and talent scouts from abroad to its annual conference and awards ceremony. The East Coast Music Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing, promoting and celebrating the music of the Atlantic provinces. The East Coast Music Association has supported the careers of innumerable well-known artists, including Natalie MacMaster, Sloan, Damhnait Doyle, Great Big Sea, Lennie Gallant, Julian Austin and Sarah McLachlan. Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Trade Routes program and the Canada Music Fund.Funding announced today was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget. - 30 - Information:Jean-Philippe CôtéDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788Barry MacMillanChief of StaffOffice of Shawn Murphy, M.P.(902) 566-7016Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
