The Government of Canada is Proud to Support the Willie Deraspe Foundation for the Seal Interpretative Centre
ÎLES-DE-LA MADELEINE, July 15, 2002 -- Georges Farrah, Member of Parliament for Bonaventure-Gaspé-Îles-de-la-Madeleine-Pabok, announced today, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, a $90,000 grant for the Willie Deraspe Foundation for the Seal Interpretive Centre, in order to establish a bilingual, travelling exhibit called "The Islands . . . the Seals . . . and Us." This project aims to raise public awareness about the condition of seals in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, especially in the Îles-de-la Madeleine."The Department of Canadian Heritage is happy to be associated with this event, which helps the young and young at heart to discover this natural and cultural treasure seals," said Mr. Farrah. "I want to salute the excellent work of the Foundation and its partners, who for many years have contributed to enhancing our natural heritage."
The project is the outcome of a partnership with two other institutions: the Musée du Séminaire de Sherbrooke, whose staff helped prepare the plan for the exhibit, and the Aquarium de Québec, which provided the scientific expertise. The Centre will mount a special interactive display called "The Ice Floe Live." This will allow the public to watch seal pups in the wild. In addition, many museums across Canada have expressed an interest in hosting the travelling exhibit.
The Department of Canadian Heritage is providing this financial support through the Access and National Outreach component of its Museums Assistance Program. Funding for the project was provided for in the December 2001 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information:
Kerry Edmonds
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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