HALIFAX, June 23, 2008 - The 400th anniversary of the founding of Québec City will be highlighted at the closing ceremonies of the 29th Jeux de l'Acadie, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.
Senator Gerald J. Comeau, 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 organizing committee of the closing ceremonies for the 2008 Jeux de l'Acadie.
The committee will use the $30,000 in funding to present Clin d'oeil à la ville de Québec as part of the Games, which will take place from June 27 to July 1. This gathering will feature Québécois, Acadian, and Canadian musical performances and will immerse participants in the cultural diversity of Canada for two evenings during the Games. In addition, a visual montage illustrating the historic ties between Québec City and Acadia will be presented at the closing ceremonies of the 29th Jeux de l'Acadie.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to announce its support to help the organizing committee of the 2008 Finale des Jeux de l'Acadie present this event that celebrates the 400th anniversary of Québec City," said Minister Verner. "It was in 1608, when Québec City was founded, that we truly began our journey to become what we are today. The founding of Québec City also marks the founding of the Canadian state. This anniversary provides an opportunity to highlight the unique role that a dynamic, strong, and diverse Canadian Francophonie has played in building our country."
"The Jeux de l'Acadie is an important event for Acadian and Francophone young people," said Senator Comeau. "Thanks to today's announcement, the young people gathered in Halifax for the Games will be able to celebrate the historic and cultural ties between Québec City and Acadia."
"The support we receive from Canadian Heritage is essential in the presentation of this special event that will promote cultural links and similarities between Acadie and Quebec City," said the chair of the organizing committee, Roger Arseneault. "The most important similarity shared by both places is most certainly the warmth of its people and the pride they share in their heritage and legacy. We want all the participants and visitors of the 29th edition to experience this."
The Celebrate Canada! program promotes pride in being Canadian by encouraging people to participate in activities offered from June 21 to July 1. The Government of Canada provides this support as part of Canada-wide funding for Celebrate Canada! activities, which, in 2008, will mark the 400th anniversary of Québec City. This will be a unique occasion that will allow all Canadians to celebrate the historic founding of the Canadian state together at community events.
Information :
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie
819 997-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
