ST. ISIDORE, Alberta, February 10, 2009 - Over the next five days, residents and visitors to St. Isidore and area will take part in the 27th annual Carnaval de Saint-Isidore, which will offer live music performances, snow sculptures, and sleigh rides.
On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament (Peace River), today announced funding for the Comité culturel de Saint-Isidore. This funding will be used to support this year's activities, which include a cabane à sucre (sugar shack), a masquerade, and other winter activities with a French-Canadian cultural theme, from February 10 to 15, 2009.
"Our Government, under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, is spending more on arts and culture than any government in Canadian history. Over the next two years, we will be investing even more in festivals like this one that help communities support activities to celebrate their local history, arts, and heritage," said Minister Moore. "Festivals like this one bring people of all ages and backgrounds together and contribute to a stronger local economy."
"It is important to encourage festivities like the Carnaval de St-Isidore," said Mr. Warkentin. "These celebrations promote a strong sense of pride among members of our community and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to celebrating Canada's rich and diverse culture."
The Comité culturel de Saint-Isidore promotes Francophone culture in the community and the development of St. Isidore. It aims to build a greater awareness of French culture and folklore, to encourage people to show their pride in being Francophone, and to organize cultural and social activities in French.
"This financial contribution will definitely benefit the Comité culturel de St. Isidore in its efforts to organize and present a quality local cultural event, such as the Carnaval de St-Isidore," said Françoise Lavoie, President of the Comité culturel de St-Isidore. "This funding will allow us to fully recognize and support our local artists and artisans, as well as build a solid organization to ensure the success of this community cultural festival."
Funding of $11,600 is provided through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage, which provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. This program will benefit many community events and historic anniversaries in Canada this year.
Information: Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-6504
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
