Harper Government Announces Artists Selected to Join Team Canada at the VII Games of La Francophonie

MONTRÉAL, March 18, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today revealed the names of the artists who will be joining Team Canada to represent their country at the VII Games of La Francophonie. The Games will be held in Nice, France, from September 7 to 15, 2013.

"Thanks to the talent and creativity of our artists, Canada's culture is recognized around the world," said Minister Blaney, who is also responsible for Canada's participation in La Francophonie. "I congratulate the artists who will be taking part in this international gathering. It will be a perfect opportunity for them to showcase their talent and celebrate the French language and Francophone culture."

The artists who will represent Canada at the VII Games of La Francophonie are:

• Supernaturalz, Toronto, Ontario: Street Performances (Hip Hop)
• Samian, Montréal, Quebec: Song
• Stéphane Guertin, Ottawa, Ontario: Storytelling
• maribé - sors de ce corps, Montréal, Quebec: Original Dance
• Guillaume Corbeil, Montréal, Quebec: Literature
• Arthur Desmarteaux, Montréal, Quebec: Painting
• Jacquelyn Hébert, Winnipeg, Manitoba: Sculpture-Installation
• TiND, Montréal, Quebec: Digital Creation (Video Jockey)

"Arts and culture play an essential role in shaping our identity, our society, and our economy," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to encourage promising artists by giving them an opportunity to take part in these games and discover the many different aspects of the international Francophonie."

Under the direction of the Canada Council for the Arts, peer committees of professional artists assessed the applications and shortlisted candidates according to excellence criteria. An international jury set up by the International Committee of the Games of La Francophonie made the final selection of artists or groups or artists that will take part in the Games.

The Games of La Francophonie are unique in that they feature both sport and cultural competitions. They allow participants to celebrate the French fact, cultural diversity, and excellence in sport—values that are dear to Canadians. The names of the athletes who will travel to Nice as members of Team Canada will be announced by the end of June 2013.

The VII Games of La Francophonie will highlight the themes of solidarity, diversity, and excellence, and will strive to be modern and environmentally friendly Games.

For more information about Team Canada's participation in the VII Games of La Francophonie, visit www.pch.gc.ca/gamesoflafrancophonie.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

For further information:

(media only), please contact:

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[e-mail]

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)