Statement by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, on the Occasion of the 2012 Leo Awards

OTTAWA, May 26, 2012 /CNW/ - British Columbia is a thriving centre of audiovisual production in Canada, and the annual Leo Awards provide a great opportunity to celebrate the dedicated men and women whose daily work contributes to the strength of the province's creative industries.

The Harper Government recognizes the important contribution that arts and culture make to our society, both culturally and economically. In 2010-2011, film, television and digital media production in British Columbia generated $1.7 billion and helped generate more than 39,100 jobs. Our Government is pleased to invest in the film, television and digital media industries with programs and policies that encourage high-quality production, distribution, and promotion.

On behalf of the Harper Government, I would like to thank the Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Foundation of British Columbia for its efforts to promote the achievements of the British Columbia film, television and digital media industries. I would also like to congratulate all of the 2012 Leo Award nominees and recipients.

For more information (media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788