ST. JOHN'S, June 22, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Peter Penashue, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced funding for the Elliston Heritage Foundation. This investment will support a project to commemorate the lives of sealers lost at sea and will contribute to the vitality and honour the history of Elliston, Newfoundland and Labrador.
"Investing in local commemorations, such as the memorial in Elliston, is central to the economic health of our communities and enriches life for all Canadians," said Minister Penashue. "This support will promote tourism activities to the area, while helping ensure that these sealers are not forgotten. I am looking forward to seeing the memorial completed."
With this support, the Foundation will undertake activities to commemorate the 100th anniversary of a sealing disaster off the northeastern coast of Newfoundland that killed 78 men in 1914. These include the transformation of a former schoolhouse into an interpretive centre and the creation of a memorial statue by bronze sculptor and visual artist Morgan MacDonald. The centre and statue will be connected by an interpretive path that will include signage and guided tours providing historical information to the public.
"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in significant events that help us commemorate our history and heritage," said Minister Moore. "By supporting this memorial project, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support our communities."
"The Home from The Sea campaign is very appreciative of this investment from the Government of Canada and is truly humbled by the support we have received from donors to date," said Leo Power and Chris Collingwood, campaign co-chairs. Mr. Power added that with this contribution, the campaign has reached its milestone of $2.1 million.
The Harper Government has provided funding of $500,000 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:
Cory Hann
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada
613-943-1838
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.)
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