FREDERICTON, January 17, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament (New Brunswick Southwest), today announced $50,801 in funding to support the Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne in Fredericton."Canada's New Government is committed to supporting the development of culture and the arts across the country," said Minister Oda. "By supporting organizations such as the Centre communautaire Saint-Anne, we are contributing to encouraging that creativity within our communities and showcasing the cultural vitality of our country.""This financial support will allow the Centre to remain an important arts presentation facility in the region, one which invites performing artists to explore their creativity and showcase their talent," added Minister Thompson. "I am pleased that our Government supports an organization that contributes to enhancing Fredericton's rich cultural life."The funding will enable the Centre to namely improve the sound and lighting systems.The renovations will enhance the quality of events and improve facilities for performers."We are delighted to receive this contribution, which supports the modernization of our facilities and greatly benefits our artists and their audiences", said Mr. Stéphane Leclair, Executive Director of the Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne.The Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne opened its doors in 1978 and serves the Francophone community of Fredericton. It offers a wide range of activities to the general public, and more than 30 organizations contribute to its annual programming.Canada's New Government has provided this funding through the Cultural Spaces Canada program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program supports cultural infrastructure projects that increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts, and also improves physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation.Information: Chisholm Pothier Director of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women819 997-7788Gérald LefebvreDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Veterans Affairs613 995-3945 Claudine DaigleDirector of Communications Canadian HeritageAtlantic Region506 851-3980
