SAULT STE. MARIE, Ontario, January 31, 2008 - On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, the Honourable Joe Comuzzi, Member of Parliament (Thunder Bay-Superior North), today announced funding for the Bon Soo Winter Carnival.
Funding of $25,900 will support the 45th anniversary edition of the 10-day winter carnival which begins February 1. Festival activities are geared to all age groups and are held both indoors and outdoors. Highlights of the festival include outdoor snow sculpture gardens, hay wagon rides, and snowshoeing.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to support the Bon Soo Winter Carnival, one of the first events to receive funding under the new Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program," said Minister Verner. "We are proud to partner with communities to carry out activities that celebrate local history, arts, and heritage."
"Local festivals like this one bring people of all ages and backgrounds together and contribute to a community's quality of life," said Mr. Comuzzi. "I am proud our Government is supporting such an important event for our community."
"I am pleased Canadian Heritage has granted us with funding for our beloved Bon Soo, Ontario's finest winter carnival. These funds will amplify the 100 events that so many citizens of all ages look forward to every year. For this, we are truly grateful," said Mayor John Rowswell. "I am very proud of the community's support for Bon Soo, and I am very thankful to the organizers, sponsors, and volunteers for making the 45th Anniversary Bon Soo Carnival such a success."
"We couldn't be more excited about receiving this grant. It will help us promote the heritage and cultural aspect of our community. The grant will also enable us to purchase warming tents for our many volunteers. Come out and enjoy the 45th anniversary of the Bon Soo Winter Carnival," said Brett Lund, President, Bon Soo Winter Carnival.
The new Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) program, announced in September 2007, provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in local activities that present arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. This program will benefit many community events and celebrations in Canada throughout the coming year.
The Government of Canada is committed to building stronger communities and to providing all Canadians with opportunities to get involved in their communities and in the celebration of Canadian arts and heritage.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages
819 997-7788
Maya Kane
Manager, Regional Communications
Ontario Region
Canadian Heritage
416 954-6615
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
