STONEWALL, Manitoba, February 16, 2008 - On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, James Bezan, Member of Parliament (Selkirk-Interlake), today announced funding for the Town of Stonewall Centennial Celebrations.
Funding of $53,000 will be used by the Stonewall Centennial Committee to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of Stonewall, Manitoba. The events organized for the Centennial will take place from January 1 through December 14, 2008. A formal tea, performances by local bands, and Quarry Heritage Family Days are a few of the activities that will honour the town's history and bring local residents of all ages together in celebration.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to announce funding for the Town of Stonewall Centennial, one of the first historical community anniversaries 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."
"It is important that future generations be aware of their origins and of Canada's rich and diverse heritage," said Mr. Bezan. "I am glad to be assisting the Town of Stonewall celebrate its centennial and I am proud to represent such a great community that has made important contributions to the area and to the province."
"The Stonewall Centennial Committee is extremely pleased with the support provided by Canadian Heritage for our Centennial Celebrations. We appreciate the value our government places on celebrating these milestones. This support will go a long way to ensure that the hard work and dedication of our volunteers in planning these events will see fruition. Stonewall is a community rich in history and culture, a history we are proud of and is still evident today in the buildings and quarries surrounding us that established us as a vibrant community 100 years ago," said Margaret Ward, Co-Chair of the Stonewall Centennial Committee.
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
Angela Cassie
A/Director of Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
204 983-4367
