Harper Government Supports the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts

April 13, 2012

Tony and Dave Williams, coucillor of Parry Sound

PARRY SOUND, Ontario, April 13, 2012 – The Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts will continue to present a variety of programming over the next two years, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. This was announced today by the Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board, Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, and Member of Parliament (Parry Sound–Muskoka), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Funding provided to the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound, which operates the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts, will allow the Centre to present a variety of music, theatre, comedy, and children’s performances over the next two years. They will also offer activities to attract youth and enhance audience appreciation, such as visits by Aboriginal artists to local First Nations communities.

“Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in organizations that support the arts like the Charles W. Stockey Centre,” said Minister Moore. “By supporting these organizations, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support our arts, culture, and heritage.”

“The Charles W. Stockey Centre for Performing Arts is a world-class venue that showcases creative and inspiring artistic performances,” said Minister Clement. “This investment in arts and culture will support economic growth and jobs in our community.”

“On behalf of Council, I want to thank the Department of Canadian Heritage for the ongoing support of the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts,” said Parry Sound Mayor Jamie McGarvey. “The Stockey Centre is the area’s premiere entertainment venue enriching the cultural experiences of our residents and visitors alike. The assistance provided through the Canada Arts Presentation grant will allow us to continue to present professional performers.”

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $60,000 over two years through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada’s culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.

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For more information (media only), please contact:

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

Jillian Lum
Manager, Communications
Ontario Region
Canadian Heritage
416-973-2050
jillian.lum@pch.gc.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155