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

OTTAWA, March 8, 2012 /CNW/ - For the past 32 years, the Genie Awards have highlighted outstanding achievement in the Canadian film industry. These prestigious awards celebrate excellence in the films that touch and entertain us, in the performances that captivate us, and in the skill and artistry that help craft the most memorable moments.

The directors, actors, writers, animators and other industry professionals being honoured this year have inspired us with their stories and their performances, and we are proud of the role they play in the cultural life of our country. Our Government knows that film and television productions are essential to the strength of our cultural life and our economic future. In 2010-2011, this sector represented $5.49 billion in economic activity and employed 128,000 Canadians.

I would like to recognize all of this year's nominees and in particular, the producers and nominated films in the Best Motion Picture category:

• A Dangerous Method - Martin Katz, Marco Mehlitz, Jeremy Thomas
• Café de Flore - Pierre Even, Marie-Claude Poulin, Jean-Marc Vallée
• Monsieur Lazhar - Luc Déry, Kim McCraw
• Starbuck - André Rouleau
• The Whistleblower - Christina Piovesan, Celine Rattray

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate the nominees and winners of this year's Genie Awards. I would also like to thank the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television for making these awards possible.

(media only), please contact:

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