Issued by Canadian Heritage
Aug 26, 2009
SAINT JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK- The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, accompanied by Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament (Saint John), and His Worship Ivan Court, Mayor of Saint John, today announced that the municipality of Saint John, New Brunswick, has been designated a Cultural Capital of Canada for 2010.
"Culture has a way of bringing us together. It also allows us to express who we are and what makes us truly unique," said Minister Moore. "Congratulations to the people of Saint John on taking pride in their local culture and heritage and on putting the best of their city forward for all Canadians to see."
"This recognition will provide a great boost to the people of Saint John, who will celebrate the city's 225th anniversary in 2010," said Mr. Weston. "The designation will surely encourage new partnering opportunities and generate economic benefits for Saint John and its surrounding area."
"The City of Saint John is proud of the work, led largely by community volunteers, to promote and celebrate our local arts, culture, and heritage," said Mr. Court. "We are pleased to be designated a Cultural Capital of Canada for 2010 in Canada's Original City."
The Cultural Capital of Canada designation is awarded for merit, as determined by the quality of a proposed project and earlier achievements by the candidate community that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the arts and culture. An independent advisory committee evaluates the candidate communities and makes its recommendations to the Minister. Funding is provided to support special projects that celebrate the arts and culture. Amounts vary according to the size of the municipality. Municipalities with a population between 50 000 and 125 000, such as Saint John, may receive up to $750,000.
With this funding, the city will launch Saint John 225: The Original City / La ville originale, a year-long program of events that celebrates the creativity, culture, and heritage of the Saint John region. Saint John 225 begins on January 1, 2010.
This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.
