Harper Government Supports Kamloops Symphony Society

KAMLOOPS, BC, March 22, 2012 /CNW/ - The Kamloops Symphony Society, through the Kamloops Foundation, is benefiting from a boost to its fundraising efforts, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. This was announced today by Cathy McLeod, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament (Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo), 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 the Kamloops Symphony Society," 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."

"The Kamloops Foundation helps improve the quality of life here in Kamloops and throughout British Columbia," said Mrs. McLeod. "We are proud to support an organization that is dedicated to building legacies that benefit communities in the region."

"The Kamloops Foundation appreciates the generosity of the Government of Canada," said Russ Chambers, President of the Kamloops Foundation. "The money will provide musical opportunities for the citizens of our region."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $67,989 to the Kamloops Foundation to manage and invest on behalf of the Kamloops Symphony Society. 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 $144 million, for a total of more than $241 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.)