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January 10, 2005

Support for Winnipeg's 2005 Juno Awards Announced

Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeg will rock the 2005 Juno Awards with support of $550,000 under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) for the 34 th annual gala to be held in Winnipeg from April 1 st to 3 rd , 2005.

The funding announcement was made today by the Honourable Greg Selinger, Minister of Finance for Manitoba and the Honourable Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport).

“Manitoba has a vibrant music industry, and it will be front and centre as the national spotlight shines on Winnipeg,” said Minister Selinger. “The economic spin-off from the visitors during the event, and later by those drawn here by what they saw during the Junos will be significant. We are pleased to support this signature event.”

“The Juno Awards is the premiere event for Canada's music industry, bringing with it substantial economic benefits and invaluable exposure for Winnipeg and for Manitoba,” said Minister Alcock. “The Government of Canada is proud to support the Junos and recognize Canada's thriving music talent. I wish the Winnipeg 2005 Host Committee much success.”

The Winnipeg 2005 Host Committee is working directly with the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (CARAS) to plan all activities related to the event. Besides the televised awards show, the festivities include Juno Fest, a live music showcasing local artists, musicians and nominees at local clubs and bars; Juno Fan Fare, the autographing session with Juno nominees; Songwriters circle; and Juno Cup, where NHL Alumni and Canadian musicians face off in a fun, non-contact hockey game.

In addition to EPA funding, the Winnipeg 2005 Host Committee will receive $275,000 from the City of Winnipeg.

Funding support for the 2005 Junos will help expand Manitoba's economic potential in the entertainment and hospitality industry. This event will bring significant economic benefits to local hotels, restaurants and transportation companies. Upcoming musical artists will also have an opportunity to showcase their talent to national and international representatives from the music industry.

In December 2003, the governments of Canada and Manitoba entered into a
four-year $50 million Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). T he two strategic priorities of the agreement are "building our economy" and “sustainable communities."

Together, and in partnership with community stakeholders, Canada and Manitoba are working to strengthen and diversify Manitoba's economy, build on existing economic strengths, enhance the skills of Manitoba's workforce and promote regional development. For more information on this and other projects funded under EPA, visit: www.epa.gov.mb.ca .

Federal funding for this initiative was provided for in the March 2004 budget.

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