QUÉBEC CITY, February 1, 2008 - The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, today announced funding for Mr. Christie's Québec Winter Carnival.
Funding of $160,000 will allow the Carnival to present local artists as part of its 54th edition and will cover production costs.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to announce funding for the Québec 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 support activities that celebrate local history, arts, and heritage."
"Mr. Christie's Québec Winter Carnival is always looking to present high-quality artistic and cultural programming and is aware of the support role that we must play for artists and artisans in Québec City," said Karine Primard, Chair of the 54th edition of Mr. Christie's Québec Winter Carnival. "I would like to give special thanks to Minister Verner and the Government of Canada for the considerable support they have given us."
The 54th Québec Winter Carnival will run from February 1 to 17, 2008. The event will offer the public some 300 activities, including performances by street performers, musicians, and dancers. The festivities are expected to attract one million participants.
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
Marie-Claude Cadorette
Communications Manager
Quebec Region
Canadian Heritage
514 283-4027
