CALGARY, Alberta, July 11, 2008 - Residents of Calgary and visitors from around the world will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities celebrating Québec City thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for the Calgary Stampede.
The $432,300 in funding is to help Stampede organizers mark Québec City's 400th anniversary with a full day of activities to celebrate this important milestone in Canadian history. The activities, under the theme Parlez-vous Yahoo?, will give visitors to the Stampede a taste of Québec City's unique cultural vitality.
"Having been twinned for more than 50 years, Québec and Calgary share a special relationship that includes a long tradition of exchanges," said Minister Verner. "I am delighted to be here today to take part in activities in which Calgary pays tribute to Québec City's four centuries of history."
"The people of Québec City and the people of Calgary share an enthusiasm for their communities and for life, as evidenced by the Calgary Stampede and world-famous Québec Winter Carnival," said George Brookman, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. "That love of cultural diversity is what binds us together as Canadians in what many of us believe is the greatest country in the history of the world. Congratulations to Québec City on this, their 400th anniversary."
The Department of Canadian Heritage has provided this funding under the Celebration and Commemoration Program. The program seeks to ensure that Canadians have access to commemorations of national interest that pay tribute to remarkable people, places, symbols, anniversaries, and achievements. It also promotes Canadians' participation in national celebrations and commemorations that help awaken pride in our country and strengthen a feeling of identification with 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
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 997-9101
1 866 569-6155
