OTTAWA, March 18, 2005 -- Minister of State (Human Resources Development) and Member of Parliament (Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe) Claudette Bradshaw, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $33,817 in funding for the Société nationale de l'Acadie (SNA). The funds will enable the SNA to raise awareness of Acadian culture on the international stage."Acadian culture is rich in history and in talent," said Minister of State Bradshaw. "I am pleased that the funding announced today will help the SNA to showcase our artists and our culture in various parts of the world.""The Acadian people have made a tremendous contribution to Canada's cultural vitality. Their determination to preserve their unique identity and their involvement in La Francophonie ensure them a bright future," said Minister Frulla. "I am certain that the SNA will make the most of its overseas activities to raise awareness of the extraordinary creativity of the Acadian people and of their deep connection to their roots."The Société nationale de l'Acadie is committed to promoting and protecting the rights and interests of Acadians in the Atlantic provinces. This funding will enable the SNA to take part in several overseas events, including the Déferlantes francophones de Capbreton in France, the Nuits acadiennes in Paris, and the Salon du Livre in Brussels.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Trade Routes program, which helps arts and cultural organizations and entrepreneurs succeed in foreign markets. Funding is offered to all arts and cultural sectors, including the performing and visual arts, film and video, television, music and sound recording, publishing, design, crafts, heritage restoration and preservation, and new media.Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget. Information:Jean-Philippe CôtéDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788Anne BasqueExecutive AssistantOffice of the Minister of State (Human Resources Development)(506) 851-3310Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
