CHARLOTTETOWN, August 13, 2008 - The 250th anniversary of the Deportation of the Acadians from Prince Edward Island will be commemorated in Charlottetown, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.
Senator Gerald J J. Comeau, on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for the Carrefour de l'Isle Saint-Jean.
Funding of $15,000 will help comme morate the 250th anniversary of the Deportation of the Acadians from Prince Edward Island. This event will take place from August 15 to 17, 2008, in Port-la-Joye and will include an official ceremony, the unveiling of a monument, historical and genealogic al presentations, and a mega-concert.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to announce funding to celebrate this important event for the Acadian community, especially for the Acadians from Prince Edward Island," said Minister Verne r. "We are proud to partner with a well-known organization like the Carrefour de l'Isle Saint-Jean to support an event celebrating Acadian history and heritage."
"The Deportation of the Acadians was a tragic event that has mark ed our history. It's important to celebrate this anniversary to remember our origins and share our history and values with future generations," said Senator Comeau. "I am proud that our Government has taken decisive steps to help commemorate thi s event and the accomplishments of all Acadians."
"The support we receive from the Department of Canadian Heritage is essential to the success of our event, which will celebrate heritage in Charlottetown, birthplace of Confederation ," said Alex Robert, Chair of the Conseil communautaire du Carrefour de l'Isle Saint-Jean.
The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadi an Heritage. This program, announced in September 2007, provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.
Applications for funding for festival s to be held between January 1 and August 31, 2009, and for community historical commemorations between January 1 and December 31, 2009, must be received by September 1, 2008.
Information:
Kassandra Albert
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women and Minister for La Francophonie
819 997-7788
Claudine Daigle
Director, Regional Communications
Atlantic Region
Canadian Heritage
506 851-3980
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
1 866 569-6155
