VILLE-MARIE, Quebec, June 1, 2010 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced funding for the Foire gourmande de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue et du Nord-Est ontarien.
This funding will allow residents and visitors of all ages to take part in the fair's diverse programming, which includes musical performances, visual art exhibitions, circus arts workshops, ongoing entertainment, and heritage tours. Local products will be the focus of many of these activities, including tastings and gourmet meals. From August 13 to 15, 2010, this event will bring together 84 artists, 10 craftspeople, and 2 local heritage interpreters, as well as 344 volunteers.
"Our Government is proud to give artists and artisans the opportunity to perform and achieve their potential, while contributing to the vitality of the arts, culture, and heritage in our communities," said Minister Moore. "Events like the Foire Gourmande de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue et du Nord-Est ontarien promote the economic development of the region and highlight the culinary, artistic, cultural, and heritage talent of people from the area."
"The board of directors of the Foire Gourmande de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue et du Nord-Est ontarien thanks Canadian Heritage for its financial support," said Hélène Lessard and Denis Nolet, co-presidents of the fair. "It will enable us to once again highlight agri-foods from Abitibi-Témiscamingue and northeastern Ontario, as well as our local culture. The entire team, craftspeople and volunteers, is working hard to make the most of this funding."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $43,900 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 activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.
Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@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
media@pch.gc.ca
