The popular theatrical show La Sagouine will be presented in English this summer for the first time at Le Pays de la Sagouine, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Gateway, joined representatives of Pays de la Sagouine today to announce funding through the Economic Development Initiative (EDI) under Roadmap for Linguistic Duality to assist with the development and marketing of the English version of the show.
"Our Government recognizes it has an important role to play in creating an environment in which businesses and people can thrive and prosper," said Minister Ashfield. "Through ACOA, our government's investment of close to $92,000 in Le Pays de la Sagouine will help the organization expand its markets, creating jobs and long-term economic opportunities for this region. This investment will help ensure that New Brunswick has the bilingual capacity to help grow the tourism industry in the region."
"Le Pays de la Sagouine is very pleased to rely on ACOA's financial support as part of its program for Canadian linguistic duality," said Executive Director Marie-France Doucet. "It is very important for us to be able to develop new markets, including in the Anglophone community. We believe there is a potential for development, and we are very happy to be able to present the show La Sagouine in English."
ACOA contributed $91,500 under the Roadmap for Canada's Linguistic Duality 2008-2013: Acting for the Future to help Le Pays de la Sagouine develop and market La Sagouine for the Anglophone market.
La Sagouine broke new ground in Acadian writing in theatre after it was published in 1971 by Antonine Maillet. Viola Léger has performed the famous washerwoman over 1400 times, in English and French, and has toured nationally and abroad with the piece.
ACOA is tasked with implementing the Economic Development Initiative (EDI) in Atlantic Canada. The Roadmap aims to strengthen linguistic duality, reinforce Canada's national identity and provide economic benefits for all Canadians. The initiative is designed to foster economic development and provide assistance to official languages minority groups across the country.
FOR BROADCAST USE
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of ACOA and Minister responsible for Atlantic Gateway, today announced funding of $91,500 for Le Pays de la Sagouine. The funding was provided under the Economic Development Initiative under the 2008-2013 Roadmap for Linguistic Duality.
This investment assists with the development and marketing of one of their popular theatrical performances, La Sagouine, for the Anglophone market. This is the first extensive English programming offered to the Anglophone visitors of the historical park.
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INFORMATION:
Gisèle Savoie
Communications Officer
ACOA New Brunswick
506-452-3341
Sylvie Robichaud
Director of Marketing
Le Pays de la Sagouine
506-743-1407
