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January 27, 2000
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)


Reform Party chided for narrow mindedness and ignorance by Minister Charles Furey

Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Charles Furey today chided the Reform Party of Canada for being narrow minded and ignorant in criticizing the Viking Millennium International Symposium (VMIS) in a recent report highlighting excessive government spending.

Said Mr. Furey: "It would serve the Reform Party well if they first got their facts straight before criticizing the basis for the VMIS. For the Reform Party�s information, the VMIS is a celebration of the 1000th anniversary of the arrival of the first Europeans in North America--one of the most significant events in the history of Canada.

"The VMIS will be an unprecedented gathering of Viking experts. Over 65 speakers from throughout the world will present the most up-to-date research on topics ranging from the Sagas to recent archaeology. The Symposium will also provide international exposure for L�Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site and the history and heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador in general. An additional aspect of this prestigious gathering is an educational program to help students learn more about the Viking way of life during the time the Vikings were at L�Anse aux Meadows.

"The Reform Party has once again shown through its ignorant comments why the party has no representation in eastern Canada--its members just don�t get it. I suggest to the Reform Party that they do their research first, before making pronouncements and judgements about events as internationally significant as the Viking Millennium International Symposium. As has been said before: �Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent.�"

Media contact: Mary MacNab, Communications, (709) 729-0928, or (709) 682-0366.

2000 01 27 11:05 a.m.


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