Government of Canada Supports Arts and Culture in Regions of Quebec

SAINT-EUSTACHE, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - March 16, 2011) - The Corporation du moulin Légaré has been able to carry out two projects for the people of Saint-Eustache, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. This was announced today by the Honourable Claude Carignan, Senator, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

As a result of this support, the Corporation was able to hold the 2010 Festival de la galette et des saveurs du terroir, a popular celebration that featured important arts and heritage activities for the region. The organization will also present the travelling bilingual exhibition "Rivière, turbines et farine," which is currently under development. This exhibit, which will be shown in four cities in three other provinces, is part of the 250^th anniversary celebrations of the Légaré mill in 2012.

"Our Government is proud to support the arts in all regions of Quebec," said Minister Moore. "We are focused on creating jobs and economic growth, and this includes supporting opportunities to invest in culture."

"Our Government is proud to support organizations such as the Corporation du Moulin Légaré. The commitment and dedication of the Corporation's volunteers, and the others on their team, contribute to the cultural and economic growth of the Laurentian region," said Senator Carignan. "With this help, residents of Saint-Eustache and neighbouring communities will have access to activities that reflect their rich cultural diversity. They will also have the chance to share with others the history and heritage of this part of Canada."

"The funding announced today helps shape the cultural and heritage image of Saint-Eustache, and also highlights the creative potential of local residents. Investing in culture is a way to increase the quality of life for people in this region and raise the profile of Saint-Eustache beyond its borders, and I am delighted by it," said Pierre Charron, Mayor of Saint-Eustache. "I would like to thank everyone involved in this file who has shown a real interest in Saint-Eustache and its heritage potential."

"Thanks to the support of the federal government, the exhibit Rivières, Turbines et Farine will be able to travel across the country. It will offer Canadians a journey into the world of Canada's flour-milling industry for the past 250 years, from the pre-industrial era to the arrival of industrialization," said Ernest Labelle, President of the Corporation. "Visitors can get familiar with the workings of flour mills that have been part of the Canadian landscape for more than 200 years. The exhibit will present different types of mills, the different aspects of how they work, including the traditional way of producing flour and the milling technologies used until the dawn of the industrial era."

The Corporation du moulin Légaré was founded in 1976. Its mission is to ensure the protection, conservation, and maintenance of the Légaré mill site, as well as the continued existence of the milling trade. The organization is also responsible for managing exhibition halls located in the Maison de la culture et du patrimoine (Manoir Globensky), and for promoting heritage attractions in Vieux-St-Eustache.

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $210,685 through two programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage programs: the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program ($20,800) and the Museums Assistance Program ($189,885).

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. The Museums Assistance Program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)