Harper Government Invests in the Chester Theatre Council Society

CHESTER, NS, April 5, 2012 /CNW/ - The Chester Theatre Council Society, through the Sir Christopher Ondaatje Theatre Foundation, is seeing its financing efforts rewarded with assistance from the Government of Canada. This was announced today by Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and for the Atlantic Gateway, and Member of Parliament (South Shore-St. Margaret's), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in major cultural organizations such as the Chester Theatre Council Society," said Minister Moore. "By supporting these organizations, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support the arts, culture and heritage."

"For many years, the Chester Theatre Council Society, which operates the Chester Playhouse, has given residents of South Shore-St. Margaret's and tourists the opportunity to enjoy memorable arts experiences," said Mr. Keddy. "By supporting the Ondaatje Foundation, our Government is proud to contribute to the success of the Chester Theatre Council Society and its renowned theatre."

"On behalf of the Chester Playhouse, the Ondaatje Foundation, and the community served by these organizations, I thank the Government of Canada for its support and generosity," said Douglas Creighton, President of the Ondaatje Foundation. "This strategic funding and the interest it generates have allowed our Playhouse to budget its income more predictably."

The Government of Canada has provided $49,115 to the Sir Christopher Ondaatje Theatre Foundation. The funds will be invested for the benefit of the Chester Theatre Council. The financial assistance comes from the Endowment Incentives component of the Canada Cultural Investment Fund. The component is intended to encourage Canadians to donate to professional arts organizations.

This year, the Government of Canada is providing 81 cents for each dollar raised from private donors. Since 2006, the Government has contributed more than $97 million to different endowment funds in Canada, while private donors have given $145 million, for a total investment of $242 million.

For further information:

(media only), 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 release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)