ÎLES-DE-LA-MADELEINE, Quebec, December 16, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Bernard Généreux, Member of Parliament (Montmagny-L'Islet-Kamouraska-Rivière-du-Loup), today announced funding for the Musée de la Mer, located on the island of Havre-Aubert.

"Our Government recognizes that the arts and culture sector plays a major role in our economy," said Minister Moore. "That is why we invest in projects that not only create more welcoming venues that help preserve and present our heritage, but invigorate Canada's economy as well."

"We are very pleased to support this important museum in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine," said Mr. Généreux. "Investing in the Musée de la Mer means creating an environment that is conducive to conservation and to sharing the heritage and history of the islands' inhabitants."

"We are extremely pleased by the Government of Canada's financial involvement in the Musée de la Mer renovation and expansion project," said Louis Bernier, Chair of the Board of the museum. "This funding will enable our organization to fulfill its mission under improved conditions and enhance the museum, cultural, and tourism activities offered in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine to an even broader audience."

The Musée de la Mer, founded in 1969, is a non-profit organization with a mission to conserve and promote a variety of items associated with the heritage and history of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine. The museum's renovation and expansion project will make it possible to increase the visitor capacity in exhibition rooms, develop storage spaces for the collections, and improve their conservation standards. The work carried will also ensure that the current building is brought up to standards for the comfort and safety of employees and visitors.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $273,000 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and arts presentation or exhibition. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts, and to museum collections and heritage displays. As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan 2009, an additional $60 million over two years was announced to stimulate the economy by investing in cultural infrastructure through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund.

For more information (media only), please contact:

Codie Taylor

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

Media Relations

Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca