TORONTO - Treasury Board President John Baird, Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty, and Minister of Canadian Heritage Bev Oda today announced $25 million to ensure
sustained funding of Harbourfront Centre.
“The Prime Minister made a personal commitment to long-term funding for the Harbourfront Centre and today we are delivering on that promise,” said President
Baird, who also serves as Minister responsible for Toronto's Waterfront. “Canada's new Government recognizes Toronto's Harbourfront Centre as a key contributor to
the cultural vibrancy of the city and its waterfront.”
The Government of Canada will allocate $5 million per year over the next five years to support the operational requirements of the Centre.
“The Harbourfront Centre contributes to the vitality of Toronto's waterfront by promoting Canadian culture and attracting tourists,” said Minister Flaherty,
who also serves as Minister responsible for the GTA. “With this investment, the Government of Canada is providing the Centre with the financial security it needs to
plan for the future.”
Harbourfront Centre is an innovative, non-profit cultural organization that creates high-quality events and activities that enliven, educate and entertain a diverse
public. Since its inception, the Centre has been introducing Toronto audiences to an exciting mix of artists and art forms as well as exploring new and bold frontiers in
the arts and creative expression.
“We are thrilled at how rapidly the Government of Canada has delivered on its promise of long-term funding for Harbourfront Centre,” said William J. S.
Boyle, Chief Executive Officer, Harbourfront Centre. “This essential financial stability allows us to proceed with confidence in serving Toronto and Canada and in
finalizing our exciting plans for the future.”
“The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of the arts community to Canadian society and to our quality of life,” said Minister Oda.
“Harbourfront Centre was created in 1972 by the Government of Canada and I believe it is still today an innovative and exciting way to promote the cultural
expression of Torontonians and Canadians.”
With over 12.6 million visitors each year, Harbourfront Centre is one of Toronto's most visited sites and one of the region's biggest attractions, contributing more
than $132 million annually to the region's economy.
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For more information, contact:
Mike Van Soelen
Director of Communications
Office of the President of the Treasury Board
(613) 957-2666
Doug McCallum
Media Relations
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
(613) 946-6224
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