News Release

For immediate release 
October 16, 2002

Celtic Music Interpretive Centre Receives Government
of Canada Funding

Judique, N.S. – October 16, 2002 – The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced today, Government of Canada funding, under the Business Development Program (BDP), to the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre (CMIC) in Judique. 

To complement the highly successful Celtic Colours International Festival, the CMIC has received financial assistance to present tours, workshops, demonstrations and special events in the Judique Community Centre. Local musicians have been commissioned to demonstrate and explain the music of the area. 

“Tourism is a major contributor to the economy of Inverness County and the culture of the area is a major attraction,” said Rodger Cuzner, M.P. for Bras d’Or - Cape Breton, speaking on behalf of Minister Byrne. “As a representative of the Government of Canada, I am pleased to note that Judique and the CMIC have accepted the challenge to enhance an awareness of the Island’s Celtic culture and to promote Cape Breton Island as a tourism destination. They are offering visitors a unique cultural experience.”

“It was a priority of our Plan for Community-Based Municipal Development to enhance the value of culture and heritage in our area,” said Leo MacDonnell, chair of the CMIC. “These music and workshop programs will lengthen the Centre’s operating season into the fall months, which will assist to increase revenues. Tourists will be encouraged to extend their stay in Cape Breton providing indirect benefits to local tourism operators.”

The total estimated cost of the project is $39,700. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation has contributed $24,600 through ACOA’s Business Development Program. The project expansion is expected to create four short-term jobs at the centre. 

Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2000 Federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA's programs in Cape Breton and the Mulgrave area.



FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ralph Meechan
Office of the Minister of State for ECBC & ACOA
Tel: (613) 957-9959
Fax: (613) 941-7844

Office of Rodger Cuzner, M.P. 
Bras d’Or-Cape Breton 
Tel.: (902) 842-9763
Fax: (902) 842-9025

Mary Ann MacCormick
Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation
Tel: (902) 564-7269
Fax:(902) 564-3825
Email: mmaccor2@ecbc.ca

Leo MacDonnell, Chair 
Celtic Music Interpretive Centre Society
Tel: (902) 787-2708