12 June 2010
Hopewell Cape, New Brunswick
Representatives of the Governments of Canada and New Brunswick joined with members of the Albert County Historical Society and local residents today to officially open the R.B. Bennett Commemorative Centre. The Centre celebrates the life and legacy of Canada’s 11th Prime Minister, who was born and raised in the area. The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), the Honourable Shawn Graham, Premier of New Brunswick, and Dr. Tom Edgett, President of the Historical Society, were on hand for the event.
“Our government is committed to helping communities build on local economic strengths,” said Minister Moore, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “This investment has helped the Albert County Historical Society establish a unique addition to the tourism assets of the Fundy region that celebrates the global contributions of R.B. Bennett.
“The R.B. Bennett Commemorative Centre showcases a fascinating chapter of our country’s rich cultural heritage through the contributions of Canada’s 11th Prime Minister, the Right Honourable R.B. Bennett, to the development of our country,” said the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. “Our Government understands the importance of culture and heritage for the vitality of our communities, and we are pleased to have invested in this Centre that will give New Brunswickers a better understanding of their history and capture the interest of tourists on their way to the beautiful Bay of Fundy.”
“Today’s celebration of the R.B. Bennett Commemorative Centre clearly demonstrates that our cultural heritage in New Brunswick is rich,” said Graham. “The Albert County Historical Society is to be congratulated for undertaking and completing this outstanding project that has transformed the significant heritage resources of their community into a vibrant centre of historic commemoration and interpretation. A strong cultural sector is an important element to keep our province moving forward on the journey toward self-sufficiency.”
Seven historic properties have been refurbished, including the Hopewell Cape Community Hall, County Gaol, Tax Office, Records Office, Court House, Silver Jubilee Lodge and Library and Exhibition Hall, as well as extensive site development. An elaborate interpretation program focusing on R.B. Bennett was part of the undertaking.
“The theme of the Centre presents a historic overview of Prime Minister Bennett’s career and personality,” said Dr. Edgett. “We have enhanced the museum experience with a number of audio-visual presentations including a remarkable biographical film on Bennett’s life. The graphic and artefact displays have been reconfigured to present the history of Albert County in an interesting and thought- provoking way. We expect the Centre will generate a greater interest in our local history as well as the national story of a former Prime Minister.”
The Government of Canada has invested more than $865,000 in the project through ACOA and Canadian Heritage. The Government of New Brunswick has contributed 375,000, while the Albert County Historical Society invested $152,218.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Representatives of the Governments of Canada and New Brunswick joined with members of the Albert County Historical Society and local residents today to officially open the R.B. Bennett Commemorative Centre. The Centre celebrates the life and legacy of Canada’s 11th Prime Minister, who was born and raised in the area, and adds to the tourism assets of the Fundy region.
The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), the Honourable Shawn Graham, Premier of New Brunswick, and Dr. Tom Edgett, President of the Historical Society, were on hand for the event.
- 30 -
INFORMATION:
Gisèle Savoie
Communications Officer
ACOA New Brunswick
506-452-3341
Dr. Tom Edgett
President
Albert County Historical Society
506-386-8638
Bruce Macfarlane
Corporate Secretary
Regional Development Corporation
506-444-4606
