QUÉBEC CITY, June 6, 2008 - On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie, Luc Harvey, Member of Parliament (Louis-Hébert), today took part in the launch of Espace 400e at Bassin Louise, one of the activities marking the 400th anniversary of Québec City.
"In 2008, Québec will celebrate its 400th anniversary with a splash, offering Canadians and all visitors a multitude of activities that will highlight its history as well as the importance of the St. Lawrence River, this magnificent waterway that has witnessed the city's development," said Minister Verner.
"Espace 400e will feature brilliant, unique, and original programming that is bound to satisfy the most demanding of audiences of all ages. Espace 400e is definitely the cornerstone of the 400th anniversary festivities," said Mr. Harvey.
The Old Port of Québec Interpretation Centre, where Espace 400e is located, has been redeveloped with the help of $24 million in funding provided by the Government of Canada through Parks Canada.
On June 2, on behalf of the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Minister Verner officially handed the keys to Espace 400e to Jean Leclerc, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Société du 400e anniversaire de Québec. As of June 3 and for the next 17 weeks, the many visitors from Canada and abroad can explore the site of Espace 400e and take part in an impressive number of activities.
Québec City's 400th anniversary is a historic event for Canada and for North America. It is from this date that we truly started to become what we are today, and it reminds us that French is the founding language of Canada. The Government of Canada is proud to contribute $110 million to the celebration and to partner in the organization of this event, because the founding of Québec also marks the founding of Canada.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women and Minister for La Francophonie
819 997-7788
Marie-Claude Cadorette
Regional Communications Director
Quebec Region
Canadian Heritage
514 283-4027
