PLESSISVILLE, Quebec, February 22, 2008 - On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Christian Paradis, Member of Parliament (Mégantic-L'Érable) today announced funding for four arts and heritage festivals in the Centre-du-Québec region.
The Festival de l'Érable in Plessisville, which takes place from May 1 to 4, 2008, will receive $12,000 for its 50th anniversary celebrations.
Baie-du-Febvre's Regard sur l'Oie blanche festival, which runs from April 4 to 13, 2008, will receive $10,000 to organize various activities.
The Comité du Centenaire de Manseau will receive $4,535 to celebrate the municipality's 100th anniversary.
Finally, the 2008 Manseau en harmonie festival, which takes place on May 24 and 25, will receive funding of $1,755.
These festivals will be funded through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to announce funding for these four festivals in the Centre-du-Québec region," said Minister Verner. "We are proud to partner with communities to support activities that celebrate their local history, arts, and heritage."
"Local events like these bring people of all ages and backgrounds together and contribute to building strong communities," said Mr. Paradis. "I am proud that our Government has taken decisive steps to strengthen our shared sense of heritage."
"L'Érable is part of our local heritage: it's our identity," said Geneviève Turcotte, Manager of the Festival de l'Érable de Plessisville. "The festival has existed for 50 years. We have grown from a simple, popular, traditional maple-sugar party to an important agri-food gathering surrounding a traditional maple-sugar party. We are proud that the Government of Canada, through Canadian Heritage, believes in our project and supports us."
"The Nature et Culture, Regard sur l'Oie blanche festival has existed for 19 years now, said Guylaine Fréchette, Chair of the festival. "It showcases our natural heritage through the magnificent works of local artists. We are pleased that the Government of Canada supports small festivals such as ours, for which audience turnout and community involvement are essential."
"Thanks to this funding, the Centenaire de Maseau committee will be able, among other things, to present well-known and up-and-coming artists at many occasions throughout 2008," said Nicole Vachon, committee president.
"With just a few months until the 7th edition of Manseau en harmonie, which takes place May 24 and 25, the fact that Government of Canada has made a visionary commitment to this entertaining and educational festival is encouraging for this community, which has developed an annual event to showcase local talent," said Nadine Watters, Development officer for the Comité de développement et de fierté de Manseau.
The new Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage 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 celebrating 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
Regional Manager Communications
Quebec Region
Canadian Heritage
514 283-4027
