LA BAIE, Quebec, July 12, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Minister of State (Agriculture), and Member of Parliament (Jonquière-Alma), today announced three investments in the Musée du Fjord totalling $233,469.
Canadian Heritage will make the first investment of $15,000 so that the Musée du Fjord can accommodate the traveling exhibition La Santé à petites bouchées from January 22 to June 17, 2011. This exhibition will address several issues of concern to Canadians about the safety of food and its role in health.
The second investment of $90,550 will enable the Musée du Fjord to tour the exhibition Abyss: Life in the Deep in more than four major Canadian museums. Canadians will have the chance to discover the captivating universe of the depths of the oceans that surround us and to uncover the technological challenges overcome by researchers to reach them.
The third investment of $127,919 will enable the museum to finalize and launch the exhibit Fantastic Sea Monsters. Once the design, touring materials, and educational tools are complete, people of all ages across the country will be able to discover a little-known facet of Canada's aquatic heritage.
"Thanks to funding from the Government of Canada, these exhibits will be available to many Canadians since they will be presented all across the country," said Minister Moore. "Our Government recognizes the importance of our museums. We have made a commitment to allow future generations to enjoy access to these institutions not only through our investments in arts and culture, but also through our programs that support the growth and outreach of Canadian museums."
"The Musée du Fjord has always been a distinctive museum, launching unique projects that distinguish it from other museums," said Minister Blackburn. "The Government of Canada is pleased to support this institution, which, year after year, allows the people of the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region to demonstrate their know-how and expertise to the rest of Canada. Not only do the projects created by the Musée du Fjord allow Canadians to discover the world in which we live, but they also revitalize the local and national economy."
The Musée du Fjord has a mission to preserve and promote the historical, natural and artistic heritage of the Fjord-du-Saguenay and Baie-des-Ha! Ha! regions, while raising public awareness of its significance. It offers historical and scientific temporary exhibits focusing on nature and the environment.
The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.
For more information (media only), please contact:
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
