Harper Government Encourages Private-Sector Donations by Matching Support to Symphony New Brunswick

SAINT JOHN, May 22, 2012 /CNW/ - Symphony New Brunswick is benefitting from a boost to its fundraising efforts through the Symphony New Brunswick Foundation. This was announced today by Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament (Saint John), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in important arts organizations like Symphony New Brunswick," 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."

"New investments in the arts and culture sector in New Brunswick are helping stimulate the economy and create jobs. Supporting not-for-profit arts organizations such as Symphony New Brunswick is central to the economic health of communities across Canada," said Mr. Weston. "We are proud to contribute to the success of Symphony New Brunswick—the province's only full-scale symphony orchestra—by providing a boost to their endowment fund."

"The Endowment Incentives initiative provides a huge incentive for us to raise money from the private sector," said Reid Parker, President of the Symphony New Brunswick Foundation. "We're very grateful for this support and we think the program represents a very progressive way in which government can help organizations like the Symphony improve self-sufficiency."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $111,921 for the Symphony New Brunswick Foundation to manage and invest on behalf of Symphony New Brunswick. 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
[email protected]

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