OTTAWA, May 13, 2011 - The Governor General's Performing Arts Awards recognize the talent and the creativity of Canadians who have dazzled us with the richness and the diversity of their work. The success that our artists enjoy and the honours they receive both at home and abroad make us all proud. These Awards demonstrate our desire to celebrate the achievements of artists who have distinguished themselves by sharing their passion with us.
On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and all Canadians, I am pleased to congratulate this year's lifetime achievement award winners: Yvon Deschamps (theatre), Margie Gillis (dance), William Shatner (broadcasting), Howard Shore (film), Leslee Silverman (theatre), and Paul Thompson (theatre). Congratulations also to Jean André Élie (Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award) and Denis Villeneuve (National Arts Centre Award). We are all grateful for the talent and hard work of all these creators and for their contribution to our culture and to our identity as Canadians.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Codie Taylor
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
