REGINA, November 16, 2005 -- Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament (Wascana) Ralph Goodale, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $134,000 in funding for SaskCulture. The funds will enable the organization to complete two projects to help celebrate the Centennial of Saskatchewan."The activities in Saskatchewan and in the National Capital Region to celebrate our province's Centennial will highlight Saskatchewan's rich history and talent," said Minister Goodale. "The Centennial of Saskatchewan's entry into Confederation is a celebration not only for residents of Saskatchewan, but for all Canadians.""It is important for all Canadians to be able to applaud the contributions made by the people of Saskatchewan to Canadian society," said Minister Frulla. "Centennial activities strengthen the bonds that unite us as Canadians and demonstrate our national pride."SaskCulture will receive $9,000 in funding to organize a contest for high school students, who will be asked to submit a multi-media project highlighting Saskatchewan's heritage, as part of the Student Heritage Project.The organization will receive $125,000 for its "Saskatchewan Centennial Celebration in Ottawa" project. SaskCulture will work with federal, provincial, and community partners on a celebration of arts and culture in the Nation's Capital. From November 14 to 19, various activities will be held at the National Library and Archives and the Museum of Civilization to promote Saskatchewan talent and showcase Saskatchewan's diversity. The entertainment will include Aboriginal, multicultural, and Francophone elements and feature music and video, as well as performing, visual, and literary arts.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage under the Alberta-Saskatchewan Centennial Initiative. This program aims to support diverse celebration, commemoration, and learning initiatives put forward by non-governmental organizations in recognition of the Centennials of Alberta and Saskatchewan in 2005. 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) 997-7788John EmburyCommunications DirectorOffice of the Minister of Finance(613) 996-7861Elizabeth StromA/Manager, CommunicationsPrairies and Northern Region (306) 780-7285
