The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, and the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, have enthusiastically welcomed the programming for the 400th anniversary celebrations, presented today by the Société du 400e anniversaire de Québec.
"I am particularly proud of the programming of the Société du 400e," said Minister Oda. "By investing in the 400th anniversary celebrations, Canada's new Government helps provide all Canadians with a window on Quebec, Canada, and the rest of the world. I invite Canadians across the country to participate in the 2008 festivities and celebrate the founding of the city of Québec, which is also the founding of Canada."
"Québec has witnessed the adventure that led to the building of a dynamic and modern Canada, strengthened by its linguistic duality and cultural diversity," said Minister Verner, during her participation in the launch of the 400 day countdown to the 400th anniversary celebration, on behalf of the federal government. "I hope that all residents of Quebec City and all Canadians will take part in this important event."
Canada's new Government, proud partner of the event, is investing $110 million in the 400,sup>th anniversary celebrations. Of this amount, $40 million will go to the Société du 400e for organizing the festivities, and $70 million will be spent on a variety of infrastructure projects.
For almost 10 months, the entire city of Québec will be celebrating. A building specially renovated for 2008, Espace 400e, will provide the setting for a multitude of activities that will attract international attention.
Aside from the official programming planned to celebrate the city's anniversary, a number of international events will add to the festivities, including the 49th Eucharistic Congress, the World Youth Congress, and the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship. In addition, many cultural events and institutions will take up the torch of the 400th anniversary celebrations, presenting special programming.
In the presence of a large number of dignitaries and personalities from the fields of business, the arts and culture, the Société du 400e anniversaire de Québec--a non-profit, independent organization funded by the federal and Quebec governments and the city of Québec--today announced highlights of the exciting programming planned for 2008.
Information:
Chisholm Pothier
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
