MONTRÉAL, February 25, 2008 - On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, the Honourable Michael M Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, today announced funding for the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal and the Just for Laughs Festival.
The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal and the Just for Laughs Festival will each receive $1 million, totalling $2 million in funding for these events.
"This funding for these major cultural events clearly demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to the arts and culture," said Minister Verner. "It also demonstrates our willingness to support initiatives to make Montréal the cultural metropolis of the 21 st century. We intend to work together with all our partners to implement the 2007-2017 action plan adopted at the Montréal, Cultural Metropolis Rendez-vous November 2007."
"Every year, the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal and the Just for Laughs Festival bring the city to life. They help make Montréal a destination of choice for tourists while forging closer ties among residents of Montréal. The Government of Canada recognizes the extraordinary contribution that these festival make; this is why I am pleased, as Minister Responsible for the Region of Montréal, to announce this important funding, which will allow these two great celebrations to show off their best for festival-goers," said Minister Fortier.
This summer, the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal will present more than 500 shows featuring renowned artists from Canada and beyond. This internationally recognized festival allows our artists to shine on the national and international stages. The $1 million in funding will also support the Jazz à l'année series, which will present 25 shows from September 2008 to May 2009.
The Just for Laughs Festival attracts millions of spectators year after year. The 2008 program will include 1000 shows and other activities aimed at different groups, including disadvantaged young people, merchants, and members of cultural minorities. The Festival takes an active part in promoting humour in Quebec and in the rest of Canada and helps enrich and diversify Montréal's cultural and artistic landscape.
The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Arts Presentation Canada Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program seeks to give Canadians increased access to the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.
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
