Statement by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, on the Occasion of the 26th Annual Gemini Awards

OTTAWA, September 7, 2011 - Our Government recognizes the importance of arts and culture in strengthening our communities, our identity, and our economy. We also understand how important Canadian television and digital media content is to our cultural landscape. It plays such a vital role in telling our stories and shaping our national identity. 

The Gemini Awards provide us with an opportunity to recognize the immense talent of our actors, writers, directors, and producers and to acknowledge their contribution to Canadian culture and the vitality of the English‑language television and digital media industries. The success of Canadian productions at home and abroad continues to be a source of pride for all Canadians. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the work of all of the nominees and congratulate them on their success. 

On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I would like to thank the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television for its ongoing work to promote and celebrate excellence. I congratulate all of this year's Gemini Award winners and, particularly, everyone involved in the production of The Rick Mercer Report (Best Comedy Program) and The Borgias (Best Dramatic Series).
 

For more information (media only), please contact:

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788