Supporting Families in the Tri-Cities

News Release

Minister Moore announces federal investments in arts and culture, seniors, veterans and jobs

June 26, 2015 – Port Moody, British Columbia – Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry, Minister Responsible for British Columbia and Member of Parliament (Port Moody–Westwood–Port Coquitlam), today announced $579,720 in funding support for arts and culture, seniors, veterans and jobs in the Tri-Cities.

These investments will provide access to local festivals and celebrations, equip young Canadians with the skills and experience they need to enter the workforce, honour our veterans, and support a community-based project for seniors.

Quick Facts

Thirty-two organizations in the Tri-Cities will receive a combined $357,000 in Canada Summer Jobs funding to hire 87 students. Canada Summer Jobs helps students gain the skills and experience they need to be successful now and in the future, while earning money for the upcoming school year.
The City of Coquitlam and the Port Coquitlam Canada Day Task Force will receive a total of $32,500 to host Canada Day celebrations. In addition, the Port Moody Heritage Society has received funding of $2,000 for National Aboriginal Day and Canada Day activities.
The Evergreen Cultural Centre will receive multi-year funding of $40,000 to present its 2015–16 and 2016–17 performing arts series, which include performances of theatre, music and dance, as well as workshops and a festival featuring emerging artists.
The Société francophone de Maillardville will receive multi-year funding of $60,000 to launch a promotional campaign called “Flaunt Your Frenchness – Fièrement Francophone,” which will highlight Francophone cultural pride through language and heritage.
The Korean War Veterans Association of Western Canada has received $2,500 to celebrate Korean War Veterans Day. This national day of remembrance in honour of veterans of the Korean War is celebrated each year on July 27.
The Hawthorne Seniors Care Community will receive $29,920 to improve accessibility.
The Tri-City Iranian Cultural Society will receive funding of $14,280 to support field trips and intergenerational activities, such as ethnic cooking for Iranian newcomer seniors.
The Port Moody Golden Spike Days Society will receive $27,000 to host the 39^th Golden Spike Days Festival. This long-running annual festival showcases community traditions and is a highlight for the Tri-Cities.
The Port Coquitlam May Day Organizing Committee received funding of $13,800 to host the Port Coquitlam May Day Festival, which took place from May 1 to 10, 2015.
These projects have been funded under the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, Canada Summer Jobs, the Celebrate Canada program, the Community Engagement Partnership Fund, the Enhancement of Official Languages Program and the New Horizons for Seniors program.

Quotes

“As a long-time resident of the Tri-Cities, I understand just how important each and every one of these organizations are to the community. They provide important services to our residents, from hosting wonderful celebrations, to assisting our veterans, helping seniors stay active, healthy and engaged in the community, and creating jobs that will benefit students, employers and the local economy. Our Government is proud to support these organizations as they enrich the quality of life of residents in these communities.”

—The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry, Minister Responsible for British Columbia and Member of Parliament (Port Moody–Westwood–Port Coquitlam)

“Arts, culture and official languages play an important role in the Tri-Cities. These homegrown celebrations and events will provide the residents of Port Moody, Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam with access to a variety of cultural and artistic experiences, while strengthening community ties. Our Government is proud to support activities that bring Canadians together to celebrate our arts and heritage.”

—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

“Our Government is proud to work with organizations such as the Tri-City Iranian Cultural Society, whose project will go a long way to enrich the lives of seniors and newcomer seniors to Canada by participating in cultural activities with younger generations.”

—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)

“The Government of Canada is proud to support commemorative events through the Community Engagement Partnership Fund. Through this fund and the commitment of community groups, we continue to pay tribute to the brave men and women who served during the Korean War. We must never forget those who fought and continue to fight for peace and freedom.”

—The Honourable Erin O’Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs

“The Golden Spike Days Society is endlessly grateful to the federal government for its continued support of our annual event. For 39 years, we have been celebrating Port Moody’s heritage, and this funding is instrumental to our continued success. We are able to provide fantastic, family-oriented and interactive events and entertainment to our community with the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage.”

—Monique Balaski, President, Port Moody Golden Spike Days Society

“The Tri-City Iranian Cultural Society is pleased and delighted to receive support for its ‘Iranian Newcomer Seniors Building Bridges’ project. Funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program will help newcomers out of their isolation by empowering them and increasing connections to their new society, through shared activities with seniors from other communities and also with Iranian youth.”

—Fatemeh Zakeri, Chairperson, Tri-City Iranian Cultural Society