PENETANGUISHENE, Ontario, May 26, 2008 - For the sixth summer in a row, the Festival du Loup will celebrate the Franco-Ontarian heritage of the communities of Lafontaine and Penetanguishene, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada.
Bruce Stanton, Member of Parliament (Simcoe North), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, today announced funding for the Festival du Loup.
Funding of $16,000 will be provided for the sixth edition of the Festival, which will take place from July 18 to 20 in Lafontaine and Penetanguishene. The weekend will consist of shows by professional performing artists as well as community events.
"This funding demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to the arts and culture," said Minister Verner. "We are proud to invest in culture, a field that has a tangible impact on the lives of citizens. Supporting culture is a way to ensure the social and economic vitality of Canadian communities."
"The Government of Canada is proud to support the Festival du Loup, which provides this community with the opportunity to experience high-quality arts performances while also celebrating the French language and culture in the area. I am pleased to announce this funding for the Festival du Loup," said Mr. Stanton. "Today's funding is entirely consistent with our Government's commitment to supporting the arts and artists who greatly contribute to the quality of life we all enjoy."
"This funding from Canadian Heritage is essential to the success of our Festival du Loup, because this financial support allows us to stage top-quality performances," said Martin Lalonde, President of the Meute culturelle de Lafontaine. "Without this support, we would not be able to accommodate artists and productions of this calibre."
The Festival du Loup, presented by the Meute culturelle de Lafontaine, celebrates the heritage, the language and the French-Canadian culture of the Lafontaine area. The Festival runs all weekend and includes evening performances, outdoor family events, and a family picnic.
The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Arts Presentation Canada Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives 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.
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages
819 997-7788
Maya Kane
Manager, Regional Communications
Ontario Region
Canadian Heritage
416 954-6615
