Harper Government Invests in the Neptune Theatre

VANCOUVER and HALIFAX, Aug. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - The Neptune Theatre in Halifax is benefitting from a boost to its fundraising efforts through Vancouver's Aqueduct Foundation. This investment was announced today by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament (Central Nova), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

"This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada's 150th birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous, and free country we are today."

The Neptune Theatre is Atlantic Canada's largest professional regional theatre. Each year, the playbill includes a broad range of theatrical experiences, from Canadian and world premieres to dramas, popular comedies, and musicals. The Neptune Theatre is also home to a year-round Theatre School and a touring company, the Young Neptune Company Tour, which has traveled to schools across Nova Scotia since 1979.

"Our Government is pleased to contribute to the success of the Neptune Theatre, which has offered top-quality artistic presentations to residents and visitors in Halifax for close to 50 years," said Minister MacKay.

"Aqueduct Foundation is proud to partner with the Neptune Theatre to assist them to build their endowment fund," said Malcolm Burrows, Head of Philanthropic Advisory Services for Scotia Private Client Group. "The Government of Canada's Endowment Incentives initiative is a powerful opportunity to leverage donations and build long-term capacity in the arts community."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $654,860 for the Aqueduct Foundation to manage and invest on behalf of the Neptune Theatre. Funding is provided through the Endowment Incentives component of the Canada Cultural Investment Fund, which encourages Canadians to donate to professional arts organizations.

This year, the Government of Canada is providing 81 cents for every dollar donated by the private sector. Since 2006, this program has provided more than $97 million to various endowment funds in Canada, while the private sector has provided $145 million, for a total of over $242 million.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

For further information:

media only:

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.)