BURNABY, British Columbia, June 17, 2008 - Once again this year, Burnaby-area residents and visitors of all ages will be able to enjoy the Midsummer Festival thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.
Nina Grewal, Member of Parliament (Fleetwood-Port Kells), 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 Scandinavian Community Centre Society.
The $7,500 in funding will help the Society present the 13th Midsummer Festival, which will take place from June 20 to June 23. Every year, thousands of people visit the Scandinavian Community Centre to celebrate the traditions and festivities of Scandinavian Midsummer. This year, the Midsummer Festival has invited Portugal to share its culture and music as the festival's guest country. Planned activities include musical performances, dance, storytelling, and art exhibits.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to support the Scandinavian Community Centre Society," said Minister Verner. "We are proud to partner with communities to support activities that celebrate the diversity of cultural expression in Canada."
"Local festivals like this one bring people of all ages and backgrounds together and contribute to building strong communities," said Ms. Grewal. "The Government of Canada is proud to support local community organizations in their efforts to provide Canadians with access to activities that celebrate local history, arts, and heritage."
"Now in its 13th year, the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival has become one of the largest events of its kind in North America," said Kristiina Morrison, Events Chair. "The support from the Department of Canadian Heritage ensures the success of this fundraising event and allows the Scandinavian Community Centre to continue to offer language classes and host cultural events, making it a home away from home."
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
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604 666-6504
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
