TORONTO, July 17, 2008 - Residents and visitors to Toronto will have an opportunity to take part in the Beaches Jazz Festival thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament (Whitby-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 Beaches Jazz Festival.
The organizers of the Beaches Jazz Festival will receive funding of $50,000 to help with the planning and execution of the 20th edition of the festival, which will take place from July 18 to 27, 2008, in Toronto's Beaches neighbourhood.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to support the Beaches Jazz Festival," said Minister Verner. "We are committed to building stronger communities and to providing all Canadians with opportunities to experience and celebrate local heritage, arts, and culture."
"For two decades, this festival has brought people of all ages and backgrounds together and contributed to building a strong community for residents of the GTA," said Mr. Flaherty. "As Minister responsible for the Greater Toronto Area, I am pleased that our Government is supporting the Beaches Jazz Festival in continuing to make this contribution to our community."
"It's a special year for the Beaches International Jazz Festival. We're turning twenty this season, and Canadian Heritage has helped us reach this milestone. Your support is reflected in the live outdoor performances of approximately seven hundred artists who are participating in our 10 day festival this July," said Helen Bulat, Sponsorship and Marketing Director for the Beaches International Jazz Festival. "We are proud to have had a significant impact on the professional lives of many of the musicians that participate in the Festival. With Canadian Heritage as a partner, we can continue to encourage a whole new generation of artists to join us."
The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage 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 in Canada.
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
