Government of Canada Supports Saguenay en neige
VILLE DE SAGUENAY, Quebec, January 22, 2013 - An investment in one of the Saguenay region’s major winter cultural events will stimulate economic growth and encourage citizens and visitors to take part in the 29th Saguenay en neige festival. The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and Member of Parliament (Roberval–Lac-Saint-Jean), made this announcement today on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
This funding will support a wide range of outdoor activities at the Saguenay en neige, which will be held from January 31 to February 10, 2013. This winter festival will feature more than 250 snow sculptures, an outdoor museum, as well as free public activities. Some 30 artists will take the stage, as more than 100 volunteers ensure the festival goes off without a hitch.
“Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians,” said Minister Moore. “On the road to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017, let us celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, strong, and free country we are today.”
“By investing in local cultural organizations, we are helping to strengthen the regional economy and enrich the quality of life of our citizens,” said Minister Lebel. “Indeed, organizations like Saguenay en neige are great for our community and provide the people of Saguenay and visitors with the opportunity to enjoy rich cultural experiences.”
In 1992, Saguenay en neige organized its first provincial snow sculpture competition, which today features about 20 professional teams.
The Government of Canada has provided $12,000 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 the history and heritage of a region.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca