JOUSSARD, Alberta – Residents of Northern Alberta and Northern British Columbia will continue to enjoy a well-renowned arts and culture festival thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.

Brian Jean, Member of Parliament (Fort McMurray–Athabasca), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, today announced funding for the Lesser Slave Lake North Country Community Association. Funding of $18,000 will help support the 2008 North Country Fair, which will take place from June 20 to 22.

“I am proud to be a part of a government that is committed to encouraging interest and appreciation of music and art in our community,” said Mr. Jean. “The North Country Fair features a variety of live performances and workshops that present the best in arts and culture to the larger communities of Northern Alberta and Northern British Columbia.”

“The Government of Canada is pleased to support Alberta’s performing arts scene,” said Minister Verner. “We are committed to helping organizations that provide stimulating performing and visual arts experiences.”

Now in its 30th year, the festival will feature nearly forty culturally diverse artists, including Aboriginal and Francophone artists, in performances and workshops of music, theatre, dance, poetry, and children’s entertainment.

The Government of Canada has provided funding under the Arts Presentation Canada program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the diversity and richness of Canada’s culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.