FREDERICTON, February 10, 2008 - On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Mike Allen, Member of Parliament (Tobique-Mactaquac), today will attend the East Coast Music Awards in Fredericton and present two awards.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to celebrate the success of music on the East Coast," said Minister Verner. "These outstanding artists reflect the talent, creativity, and diversity found in Canada."
"I congratulate the East Coast Music Awards on celebrating an important milestone this year: their 20th anniversary," said Mr. Allen. "The longevity and success of these awards are a testament to the talent of artists from Atlantic Canada."
The East Coast Music Awards, Festival and Conference are organized annually by the East Coast Music Association (ECMA). The ECMA is a not-for-profit organization with a mandate to foster, promote, and celebrate East Coast music locally and globally.
The Government of Canada has provided funding to the ECMA through two programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
First, the Trade Routes program is the only comprehensive trade development program specifically designed for the arts and cultural sector. This program has provided $35,000 to the ECMA to support its International Program to help recruit international music buyers and educators. Trade Routes provides international business development services to support Canada's arts and cultural entrepreneurs, so that they become export-ready and can take advantage of opportunities in the global marketplace.
Second, the Canada Music Fund's Collective Initiatives component committed $100,000 to the ECMA in 2007-2008 through the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR) to support the seminars and showcases at the 2008 East Coast Music Awards.
Information: Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages
819 997-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
