CHARLOTTETOWN, May 13, 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 $22,000 in funding for the Capital Commission of Prince Edward Island. The funds will enable the group to offer culturally diverse programming at the Atlantic Superstore Festival of Lights, the largest Canada Day celebration east of Ottawa. "Every year, this Festival brings thousands of Canadians together to celebrate their pride in being Canadian," said Mr. Murphy. "I would like to take this opportunity to invite everyone from this region, as well as visitors from across the country, to take part in this great Festival." "The quality of life of Canadians is closely related to the cultural vitality of our communities," said Minister Frulla. "This annual event enhances the cultural life of Prince Edward Island and helps make it a wonderful part of the country to live in." The Atlantic Superstore Festival of Lights has become the premier July 1 celebration in Atlantic Canada. Its 10th edition will take place from June 30 to July 3, 2005. For additional information on the Festival, please visit: www.visitcharlottetown.com/lights Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Arts Presentation Canada program. The program seeks to give Canadians more access to direct experiences of the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentation of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences provided by arts presenters. Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget. -30- Information: Jean-Philippe Côté Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women (819) 997-7788 Barry MacMillan Office of Shawn Murphy, Member of Parliament (902) 566-7016 Claudine Daigle Director, Communications Canadian Heritage (506) 851-3980
