TRURO, November 14, 2005 -- Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament (Halifax West) Geoff Regan, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $298,538 in funding for five heritage groups in Nova Scotia. The funds will help the groups to preserve and promote Nova Scotia's rich cultural heritage."This investment demonstrates the importance of partnerships between the Government of Canada and heritage institutions," said Minister Regan. "These institutions represent havens of discovery and learning for Canadians and are a vital part of the legacy we leave to future generations.""Our heritage and history form our nation's collective memory," added Minister Frulla. "The Government of Canada is committed to preserving Canada's heritage and making it available to all Canadians."The following organisations will receive funding:Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq will receive $115,787 to develop a Master Interpretative Plan to identify key themes for the proposed Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre.Nova Scotia Museum will receive $60,000 to support inventory efforts of six museums.Saint Mary's University Art Gallery will receive $28,276 to circulate an exhibit of works by Newfoundland-based artist Marlene Creates in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Ontario.Federation of Nova Scotian Heritage will receive $46,000 to offer training to the Federation's staff and volunteers in areas of community relations, conservation, collections management, and marketing.Art Gallery of Nova Scotia will receive $48,475 to produce a travelling exhibit of the works of Atlantic Canadian artists Frances Jones Bannerman of Nova Scotia and Margaret Campbell of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage under its Museums Assistance Program. The program provides financial support to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.Information: Jean-François Del TorchioPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788 Brian UnderhillDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans(613) 992-3474 Claudine DaigleDirector, CommunicationsCanadian Heritage(506) 851-3980
