MARKHAM, Ontario, June 28, 2008 - Residents and visitors to Markham will have the chance to participate in the sixth annual Taste of Asia Festival thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.
Colin Carrie, Member of Parliament (Oshawa), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for the Taste of Asia Festival, Canada's largest Asian festival.
The Federation of Chinese Canadians, in Markham, will receive funding of $25,000 for the 2008 Taste of Asia Festival. This weekend-long festival features multicultural food, music, and dance performances.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to support the Taste of Asia Festival," said Minister Verner. "Our Government is committed to building stronger communities and to providing all Canadians with opportunities to engage in their communities and to celebrate Canadian arts and heritage."
"It is important for future generations to be aware of Canada's rich and diverse heritage," said Dr. Carrie. "The Government of Canada is proud to support such an important event for the Markham community."
"Every year, the Taste of Asia Festival brings together thousands of people from Markham, Toronto and surrounding areas to celebrate our diversity through music, dance, and food," said Dr. Ken Ng, Chair of the Federation of Chinese Canadians in Markham and the Taste of Asia Festival. "On behalf of the Taste of Asia Festival, I would like to thank the Department of Canadian Heritage for its support, which will help make this year's festival bigger and better than ever."
The 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 throughout Canada this year.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie
819 997-7788
Maya Kane
Manager, Regional Communications
Ontario Region
Canadian Heritage
416 954-6615
