BOISCHATEL, March 11, 2005 --Minister of Transport and Political Lieutenant for Québec Jean-C. Lapierre, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced funding of $171,600 for the Association culturelle et artistique de la Maison Vézina. This funding will help this association continue to restore the Maison Vézina and to convert the heritage property into a cultural centre."Côte-de-Beaupré was the landing point for America's first immigrants. This region is blessed with a unique heritage that must be preserved," said Minister Lapierre. "I congratulate the Association for its energetic work to protect this jewel of our heritage and for its efforts to promote the work of artists from this magnificent part of the country.""An invaluable historic symbol, la Maison Vézina represents the rich heritage of Côte-de-Beaupré," said Minister Frulla. "I am proud to support this project, which will help promote an important part of our past, while providing the region with a modern cultural facility."The Maison Vézina was built in the first half of the 18th century. Built on a lot bought in 1666 by François, son of the first Vézina in America, the house was inhabited by nine generations of Vézinas. The house is also located on the site chosen by General James Wolfe to lodge his troops before the siege of Quebec in 1759. Once restored, the Maison Vézina will serve as an information centre on military history, an art gallery for local artists, and an educational centre for courses and workshops in various art disciplines.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Cultural Spaces Canada program. This program supports cultural infrastructure projects that increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts or that improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation. Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2005 federal Budget. Information: Jean-Philippe CôtéDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritageand Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788André FortinPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Transports(613) 991-0700Véronick RaymondDirector, Public AffairsQuebec RegionCanadian Heritage(514) 283-7698
