PLESSISVILLE, Quebec, April 17, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Member of Parliament (Mégantic-L'Érable), today announced funding for the Festival de l'Érable de Plessisville, which is scheduled for May 1 to 3, 2009.
This spring festival highlights the special characteristics of maple syrup and features a program that includes cultural, heritage, and culinary activities. It will feature a variety of cultural and outdoor experiences. A specially constructed indoor sugar shack will serve as the site where local craftspeople will delight visitors with the region's natural heritage flavour.
"Our Government is pleased to support the Festival de l'Érable de Plessisville," said Minister Moore. "This event, a celebration of maple products and their unique place in our country's heritage, brings together the community of Plessiville and contributes to the vitality of the region's culture, economy, and tourism."
"Quebecers have a long and rich heritage, and our Government is proud to be an active partner in the festivals and celebrations that keep this heritage alive," said Minister Paradis.
"Plessisville is the maple capital of the world. Its products are part of our heritage and our daily lives," said Geneviève Turcotte, Executive Director, Festival de l'Érable de Plessisville. "We are very happy to receive funding from the Government of Canada that allows us to enhance the public's familiarity with all types of maple products, their gourmet value, their purity as a natural sweetener, and their various health benefits."
The Government of Canada is providing funding of $20,300 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in local activities that present arts and culture and celebrate the history and heritage of a region.
Information:
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Éric Amyot
Director, Regional Communications
Quebec Region
Canadian Heritage
514-283-4027
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
