QUÉBEC, February 9, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Co-operation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, today announced funding of $4.73 million for the National Battlefields Commission."With this funding, Canada's New Government will help this organization address infrastructure challenges in Battlefields Park to ensure the health and safety of park users," said Minister Oda. "With this support, we are following through on our commitment to preserve and promote our heritage.""Today's announcement will ensure that Battlefields Park is prepared for the upcoming 400th anniversary celebrations of Québec City, in 2008, as well as make it a must-see heritage destination for years to come, as much for visitors as for the people of Québec," said Minister Verner.In addition to this funding, Canada's New Government is investing $40 million in Québec City's 400th anniversary celebrations, an event of great importance to both the government and citizens. Completion of the rehabilitation will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the National Battlefields Commission and the 400th anniversary of Québec City in 2008, when we will all celebrate the founding of Québec City, which is also the founding of the Canadian state."We can now ensure that Battlefields Park is safe and ready to welcome millions of visitors in 2008 to highlight the 100th year of the Commission and of the creation of the park, as well as the 400th anniversary of the City of Québec," said André Juneau, President of the National Battlefields Commission.The National Battlefields Commission is a member of the Canadian Heritage Portfolio, which consists of the Department of Canadian Heritage and 18 other organizations. These organizations are among the key federal institutions that support the creation, promotion, and dissemination of cultural and artistic expression and the preservation of Canadian culture and history.Information: Véronique BruneauPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women819 997-7788Nicole LascelleCommunications AdvisorOffice of the Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages819 953-6238Donald BoulangerA/Chief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage819 994-9101
