MONTRÉAL, January 29, 2007 On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Michel Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister responsible for the Montreal region, today announced $768,006 in funding for the Marie Chouinard Dance Company. These funds will enable the Company to purchase the Aegidius-Fauteux building, where it will build creative development, production, and rehearsal studios."The Marie Chouinard Dance Company has developed its reputation beyond our borders," said Minister Oda. "I am particularly proud that Canada's New Government is supporting an organization that promotes the talent of our creators and artists across the country and around the world.""Marie Chouinard has developed and given form to a concept-a dance company whose activities offer Canadians access to this unique artistic discipline," said Minister Fortier. "It is, therefore, with great pride that Canada's New Government supports the relocation of the Marie Chouinard's Dance Company's studios."Established in 1990, the Marie Chouinard Dance Company has made it its mission to promote the creation and promotion of contemporary dance. Its works are presented at many prestigious festivals and as part of the repertoire of large, intenational dance companies.Canada's New Government has provided this financial assistance through the Cultural Spaces Canada program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program supports cultural infrastructure projects that increase access for Canadians to the performing, visual, and media arts and that improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation. Funding is also provided for the construction and renovation of arts and heritage facilities, for the purchase of specialized equipment, and for feasibility studies and projects to transform buildings into arts or heritage facilities.Information: Véronique BruneauPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women819-997-7788Jean Luc BenoîtDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services819-997-5421Marie-Claude CadoretteManager, CommunicationsQuebec RegionCanadian Heritage514-283-4027
