REMINDER: Government of Canada Supports the Festival de Lanaudiere

"The Government of Canada is pleased to support the Festival de Lanaudiere, which continues to grow in popularity and attract lovers of classical music from near and far," said Minister Moore. "This gathering expresses all the wealth of the classical music world and contributes to the cultural vitality of the region and all of Quebec."

"The diversity, richness, and originality of classical music are no doubt behind the hundreds of thousands of visitors who attend the Festival international de Lanaudiere every year," said Minister of State Lebel. "Its success, combined with the $5 million in annual economic spin-offs, has a major impact on the entire region. Through this contribution, Canada Economic Development aims to support Quebec's incredible cultural and artistic vitality and to make our communities more dynamic through tourism development."

"I would like to pay tribute to the work and legacy of the late Father Lindsay, founder of the Festival de Lanaudiere. Thanks to him, magnificent concerts are presented not only in the Amphitheatre de Lanaudiere in Joliette, but also in a number of neighbouring communities," said Senator Rivard.

The Festival de Lanaudiere promotes the creation, development, and production of top-quality artistic performances presented in unique contexts. The 32nd edition of this international-calibre event, which is taking place this year from July 4 to August 2, provides a showcase for artists from Canada and other countries and offers a program of more than 70 concerts to music lovers in the Lanaudiere region, elsewhere in the country, and around the world.

The Government of Canada has provided $300,000 in funding through the Arts Presentation Canada program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.

The Government of Canada has also provided a non-refundable contribution of $306,375 through Canada Economic Development for the 2008, 2009, and 2010 editions of the Festival. These funds, which come from the Community Diversification program, will be used to finance promotional efforts in Canadian and foreign markets.

This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.

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eric.lefebvre@dec-ced.gc.ca