Government of Canada Supports Eastport Peninsula Heritage Society

June 16, 2008

EASTPORT, NL – People of all ages and backgrounds will be able to enjoy entertainment at the Beaches Accordion Festival, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.

The Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament (St. John’s South–Mount Pearl), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for the Eastport Peninsula Heritage Society.

The $3,000 in funding will help the Eastport Peninsula Heritage Society organize its fifth Beaches Accordion Festival, which takes place from July 11 to 20. Concerts, cabarets, dances, and workshops are among the activities planned for this event, which will highlight the importance of accordion in Newfoundland’s traditional music.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to announce funding that will help the Eastport Peninsula Heritage Society hold the fifth Beaches Accordion Festival,” said Minister Verner. “We are proud to partner with communities to support activities that celebrate local history, arts, and heritage.”

“Events like the Beaches Accordion Festival help strengthen the bonds between neighbours and contribute to the vitality of our local communities,” added Minister Hearn. “I am proud of the Government of Canada’s support for this important initiative to celebrate our culture and heritage.”

“The Eastport Peninsula Heritage Society is pleased to receive a substantial grant from Canadian Heritage, which will help to promote and enhance the festival’s activities,” said George Innes, Society President. “The funding is an example of the Government of Canada’s commitment to arts and heritage in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. We look forward to presenting our festival that celebrates the accordion and its history and role in developing traditional music in this province.”

The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, announced in September 2007, provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in local activities that present arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. This program will benefit many community events and celebrations in Canada throughout the coming year.

The Government of Canada is committed to building stronger communities and to providing all Canadians with opportunities to get involved in their communities and to celebrate Canadian arts and heritage.