Government of Canada Invests in Theatre Wakefield

September 08, 2009

WAKEFIELD, Quebec - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament (Pontiac), today announced funding for Theatre Wakefield.

This funding will allow Theatre Wakefield to carry out its project Animons nos histoires / Our Hidden Hills, in cooperation with eight surrounding communities. The project will collect facts that shaped the history of the Outaouais region and create performance workshops for young people and seniors. These workshops will be presented in the region's schools and community centres, as well as in community learning centres and Anglophone schools in Quebec.

"What could be more stimulating than making people aware of our artistic and cultural wealth, while promoting both of our official languages," said Minister Moore. "The Government of Canada is proud to partner with organizations that promote activities and projects aimed at ensuring the development of minority official-language communities."

"This project is an excellent example of the Government of Canada's commitment to contribute to the development of the performing arts and to the growth of a community that is a great place to live," said Minister Cannon. "The community has been able to conserve Wakefield's unique culture and environment, and this project will help highlight it and benefit the entire population."

"The project that this funding supports will ensure that Theatre Wakefield continues to develop within its mandate, its community, and the region," said Lara MacIver, President of Theatre Wakefield. "We are thrilled that Canadian Heritage and the Government of Canada have recognized our leadership in the field and the need to develop further."

Theatre Wakefield emerged from public consultations held in Wakefield in 2001. It is a place where members of the community can come together and discover their history. Theatre Wakefield is also a place for training and learning with special emphasis on youth participation and creating a network with schools.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $32,700 under the Community Life component of the Development of Official-Language Communities Program. This program of the Department of Canadian Heritage aims to offer minority official-language communities access to services in their own language, as well the infrastructure necessary to ensure their growth and development.