Harper Government Encourages Job Creation and Economic Recovery by Investing in Culture in the Niagara Region

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON, April 27, 2012 /CNW/ - New investments in the arts and culture sector in the Niagara region are helping to stimulate the economy and create jobs. Funding for the Shaw Festival Theatre Endowment Foundation was announced today by the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C, Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in important arts organizations like the Shaw Festival Theatre," said Minister Moore. "By supporting these organizations, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support our arts, culture, and heritage."

"For 50 years, the Shaw Festival Theatre has been enriching local residents and visitors from all over the world," said Minister Nicholson. "We are pleased to provide this boost to the Shaw's endowment foundation by matching private-sector donations."

"The Endowment Incentives initiative continues to make a significant contribution to The Shaw's long-term goal of building a strong and viable endowment fund," said Jackie Maxwell, Artistic Director of the Shaw Festival Theatre. "We are very grateful to the Department of Canadian Heritage for providing the opportunity to build a stable future through this initiative."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $457,466 for the Shaw Festival Theatre Endowment Foundation to manage and invest on behalf of the Shaw Festival Theatre. Funding is provided through the Endowment Incentives component of the Canada Cultural Investment Fund, which encourages Canadians to donate to professional arts organizations.

This year, the Government of Canada is providing 81 cents for every dollar donated by the private sector. Since 2006, this program has provided more than $97 million to various endowment funds in Canada, while the private sector has provided $145 million, for a total of over $242 million.

(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
[e-mail]

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)