Government of Canada to Help Boost the Export of Nova Scotian Crafts
HALIFAX, September 26, 2003 -- Robert Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament (West Nova), on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, today announced funding of $84,120 for the Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council to implement a market development strategy for the Nova Scotian crafts industry targeting the Boston, Massachusetts, market."The Government of Canada is committed to helping the arts and cultural sectors take full advantage of rapidly expanding global business opportunities," said Minister Thibault. "This funding will support the efforts of the Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council to help the Nova Scotian craft industry raise its profile in an important international market."
The Council's market development strategy, created in collaboration with the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design, will be presented to Nova Scotian craftspersons in two phases. In phase one, exporter-preparedness training sessions and assessments will be offered to members of the craft industry. In phase two, 20 craft producers, selected on the basis of their readiness to enter international markets, will participate in a market development mission to Boston, Massachusetts.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Trade Routes Program. This program provides Canada's arts and cultural entrepreneurs with access to the full range of government trade programs and services that operate under the Team Canada Inc. banner. It helps these entrepreneurs to strategically increase their export capacity and sell in international markets. Support is available across all cultural sectors, including performing arts, visual arts, film/video, music and sound recording, broadcasting/television, publishing, design, crafts, heritage, and new media.
Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
[ Media Room ]
