Harper Government Invests in British Columbia's Economy

CHILLIWACK, BC, April 23, 2012 /CNW/ - New investments in arts and culture in the greater Chilliwack region are helping to boost the economy and create jobs and growth. Support for four projects was announced today by Mark Strahl, Member of Parliament (Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages and Senior Regional Minister for British Columbia.

Funding will support a range of projects that share the common goal of providing residents of Chilliwack and the surrounding areas with rich cultural experiences. The organizations receiving support today include the Chilliwack and District Agricultural Society, the Chilliwack Arts and Cultural Centre Society, the In-SHUCK-Ch Services Society, and the Spences Bridge Community Club.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in British Columbia's economic future," said Minister Moore. "By supporting these important projects, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy, boost tourism, and support our arts, culture, and heritage."

"Investing in arts and culture is central to the economic health of communities across Canada," said Mr. Strahl. "These investments will provide residents from Deroche, Chilliwack, and Spences Bridge with greater access to cultural activities."

"The Chilliwack and District Agricultural Society wishes to thank the Government of Canada for their investment in the Fair," said Cathy Oss, Treasurer, Chilliwack and District Agricultural Society. "We are delighted to receive this funding for the third year. We are in a difficult economy, but this has enabled us to expand the heritage and cultural components of the Fair and we have seen our attendance grow each year."

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $37,400 under two programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage: the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program and the Canada Arts Presentation Fund. For more information about the projects, see the attached backgrounder.

BACKGROUNDER

Today's announcement includes the following projects:

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.
Chilliwack	Chilliwack and District Agricultural Society	Chilliwack Fair	$21,500 (2012-2013)
Deroche	In-SHUCK-ch Services Society	6^th Annual In-SHUCK-ch Days	$4,100 (2012-2013)
Spences Bridge	Spences Bridge Community Club	Desert Daze Festival	$4,800 (2012-2013)
			TOTAL: $30,400

Canada Arts Presentation Fund The Canada Arts Presentation Fund gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.
Chilliwack	Chilliwack Arts & Cultural Centre Society	2012-2013 Presenting Season	$7,000 (2012-2013)
			TOTAL: $7,000

 

(media only), please contact:

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

Perry Boldt
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-5739

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.)