EDMUNDSTON, May 19, 2005 -- Member of Parliament (Madawaska-Restigouche) Jean-Claude D'Amours, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $64,000 in funding to three Acadian and Francophone community groups in New Brunswick. This funding will enable these organizations to contribute even more to the cultural life of their province."I want to congratulate these groups, who support the development of Acadian and Francophone culture," said Mr. D'Amours. "I encourage them to continue their efforts that enable local artists to showcase their talent and the area's residents to attend diverse and innovative shows.""Our government wants artistic and cultural excellence to flourish in all regions of Canada," added Minister Frulla. "I am pleased to support these projects."Of the funding announced today, the Association culturelle du Haut-Saint-Jean will receive $23,000 to present its 2005-2006 annual programming, and to carry out a pilot project on the integration of immigrants in the Madawaska area. For its part, the Société culturelle des Hauts-Plateaux will receive $22,000 to implement its 2005-2006 annual programming.The funding for these two projects was provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Development of the Official-Language Communities Program. The Baie des Chaleurs Chamber Music Festival will receive $19,000 to help it organize its 9th International Festival, which will take place from July 7 to 10, 2005. The Festival will showcase artists from the region and from elsewhere.Financial assistance for this project is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage under its Arts Presentation Canada program. The program seeks to enable Canadians to experience the diversity and cultural richness of Canada through professional arts festivals and performances, and other arts events.The funds announced today were 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) 997-7788Paul DemersSpecial AssistantOffice of Jean-Claude D'Amours, M.P.(613) 862-1096Claudine DaigleDirector, CommunicationsCanadian Heritage(506) 851-3980
