Harper Government Invests in Ottawa's RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest

OTTAWA, April 24, 2012 /CNW/ - An investment in Ottawa's RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest will help boost the local economy and create jobs and growth. This support was announced today by Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament (Ottawa-Orléans) on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest, one of Canada's largest outdoor music festivals, will take place from July 4 to 15, 2012, at LeBreton Flats Park and community venues in Ottawa. Audiences will enjoy over 250 musical performances featuring blues, world music, rock, jazz, and folk. The festival has a history of booking top-notch international acts and promoting Canadian artists.

The average annual attendance of the RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest is over 350,000 people. The festival contributes to the region's cultural vitality and fosters a healthy local economy.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in important arts festivals like Ottawa's RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest," said Minister Moore. "By supporting one of Canada's foremost music festivals, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and provide increased access to the arts."

"Our Government is proud to support activities that promote artistic excellence," said Mr. Galipeau. "RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest has an international reputation for showcasing Canadian and world-class musicians that attract tourists to Ottawa and generate economic growth for the area."

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $50,000 (in 2012-13) through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.

For further information:

(media only), please contact:

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

Jillian Lum
Manager, Communications Ontario Region
Canadian Heritage
416-973-2050
[e-mail]

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.)