WINNIPEG, March 9, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament (Provencher), today announced funding of up to $90,000 for the Western Canada Aviation Museum. The funding will allow the organization to examine the viability of an enhanced facility as part of an upgraded Winnipeg International Airport and to develop a strategy to preserve their collection of aircraft.
"Canada's New Government is committed to supporting heritage and making it more accessible to all Canadians," said Minister Oda. "We are proud to support the Western Canada Aviation Museum, which allows Canadians to better appreciate our country's rich history."
"I am pleased to announce our Government's support for an institution that is close to the hearts of Manitobans," said Minister Toews. "The Museum's efforts will enable it continue to fulfill its mission and provide local residents and visitors to Manitoba with opportunities to learn more about Canadian contributions to aviation."
"This support from your government, specifically Canadian Heritage, allowed us to hire the expertise to produce an Operating Model that will re-jig us and make us unlike any other aviation museum in the world," said the Executive Director of the Western Canada Aviation Museum, Shirley Render." Your support helped us achieve our first step in creating a world-class destination and signature facilities at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport."
Incorporated in 1974, the Western Canada Aviation Museum preserves significant aircraft that contributed to Canada's aviation history. It also encourages projects that highlight the cultural, educational, and historical aspects of aviation in Canada.
Canada's New Government has provided this funding through the Department of Canadian Heritage's Cultural Spaces Canada program. 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 Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Mike Storeshaw
Director of Communications
Office of the President of the Treasury Board
613 957-2666
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
