Harper Government Invests in the Festival Country de Matane
MATANE, Quebec, July 26, 2012 - An investment in the Festival Country de Matane will give residents of the Gaspé Peninsula access to artistic activities while promoting economic growth in the region. Support for the Festival was announced today by the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism) and Member of Parliament (Beauce), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
Funding will be used for the presentation of country-and-western and folk music performances, as well as a gala, at the 20th edition of the Festival Country de Matane, which is taking place from July 26 to 29. More than 50 local artists will be part of the event, which is expected to attract 5,000 participants.
“This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017,” said Minister Moore. “Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous, and free country we are today.”
“For the past 20 years, the Festival Country de Matane has carved out an enviable niche for itself in the region’s arts and cultural scene,” said Minister of State Bernier. “Music festivals celebrate our identity and our culture while creating jobs and growth in our communities.”
“Thanks to the valuable cooperation of the Government of Canada, the Festival Country de Matane has become a must-see event for people in the Matane area,” said André Rouleau, Director of the Festival. “We welcome a large number of artists and musicians from the Gaspé whom we have discovered!”
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $9,000 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Éric Amyot
Director of Regional Communications
Quebec Region
Canadian Heritage
514-283-4027
eric.amyot@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca