Harper Government Supports the Museum Association of Newfoundland and Labrador

BONAVISTA, NL, Aug. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - An investment from the Government of Canada will contribute to rural museums and help boost tourism in Newfoundland and Labrador. This was announced today by Peter Braid, Member of Parliament (Kitchener-Waterloo), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

This funding will enable the Museum Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to deliver a series of training workshops to museum staff and volunteers in around 40 rural communities across the province. These workshops will focus primarily on collections management but will also cover cultural heritage, public programming, conservation, and seasonal staff training. The project will improve collections management practices and overall operations of the province's rural museums.

"This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada's 150^th birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous, and free country we are today."

"Investing in our museums and all that they have to offer is essential to Newfoundland and Labrador, and to Canada," said Mr. Braid. "Our rural museums have important stories to tell. This is an investment in understanding and preserving our history and heritage, and it will also help the tourism industry in rural communities."

"The Museum Association of Newfoundland and Labrador applauds the funding received from the Department of Canadian Heritage for its project Managing Collections in Rural Museums," said Terisita McCarthy, President of the Association. "This investment in the heritage and culture of our province is a true testament to the commitment of the Government of Canada to our sector."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $68,832 through the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

For more information (media only), please contact: 

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

Gilles Thériault
Director, Regional Communications
Atlantic Region
Canadian Heritage
506-851-3980
[email protected] 

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.)