GASPÉ, Quebec, June 17, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, today announced a total contribution of $2 million to fund the expansion and renovation of the Musée de la Gaspésie.
"Since 1977, the Musée de la Gaspésie has presented a rich collection of historic, artistic, and natural science artefacts that reflect the culture and history of the Gaspésie region. The extended and improved museum will enhance the experience of visitors from near and far," said Minister Oda. "Our support will also allow the museum to improve many aspects of their operations, including new spaces for specialized equipment to help store and preserve its collections.
"Our communities must be capable of promoting the quality of their life environment. This museum, along with the Forillon National Park of Canada, are among the most visited sites in the Côte-de-Gaspé RCM. This museum plays a key role in attracting tourists and keeping them in the region, generating a direct economic impact. These upgrades, once completed, will help increase both revenues and visitor traffic, two of the outcomes Canada's New Government is seeking to achieve through its actions in order to make our communities more attractive," said Minister Blackburn.
"This financial assistance is a significant part of the overall financing package required for the Musée de la Gaspésie's expansion. As a regional reference site for heritage conservation and dissemination, the museum is now, more than ever, prepared for the future as it pursues its vocation as a museum," said Yvan Landry, chair of the Musée de la Gaspésie's board.
Canada's New Government has provided funding through the Cultural Spaces Canada program of Canadian Heritage, which 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. 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:
Marie-Claude Cadorette
Communications Manager
Canadian Heritage
Quebec Region
514 283-4027
Guylaine Beaudoin
Communications
Canada Economic
Development
418 580-8215
E-mail: guylaine.beaudoin@dec-ced.gc.ca
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Roxane Marchand
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable
Jean- Pierre Blackburn
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819 953-5646
Cell.: 613 816-5094
roxane.marchand@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
