Minister announces cultural policy

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation Julie Bettney today announced a cultural policy that will help preserve and enhance the culture of Newfoundland and Labrador. This policy focuses on both the tangible and intangible heritage of the people of this province. It includes the activities of arts and arts professionals, heritage professionals and volunteers, and Aboriginal and European-based tradition bearers.

"We have a culture that is the heart of our identity," said Minister Bettney. "We are very much defined by the marine environment in which we live. We have made, and continue to make, significant contributions to the cultural fabric of Canada and the world."

This policy is the result of efforts by several stakeholders in the cultural community. The Association of Cultural Industries, Association of Heritage Industries, working committee on cultural policy, and the planning support of several people in the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation contributed to the development of the policy. The department reviewed policies from Scotland, Ireland, Australia and Denmark to identify the best practices related to preserving and developing cultural identity.

"The artists of Newfoundland and Labrador make a tremendous contribution to the culture, quality of life and economics of this province," said Donna Butt, president of the Association of Cultural Industries. "With this announcement today, government has taken a crucial first step in enhancing a vibrant and creative artistic community."

The main component of the cultural policy is a set of guiding principles which will direct government in setting cultural goals and developing cultural strategies, initiatives and programs.

"These principles are the basis of our cultural policy," said Minister Bettney. "They will allow us to clearly articulate priorities on cultural matters to our federal partners, and help us work collaboratively on identifying priorities and any gaps in our existing programs."

According to David Bradley, chair of the Association of Heritage Industries, the policy is important if we are to do a better job of identifying, protecting and developing our heritage resources. "This will ensure their preservation for years to come and optimize the benefits we can derive from them," said Mr. Bradley.

The creation of this policy represents Phase I of the Cultural Policy Development Plan. It will form the basis for the Strategic Cultural Plan. According to Minister Bettney, Phase II of the plan will outline the goals, objectives and key actions which flow from the guiding principles announced today.

"This is a great day for the cultural community in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Bettney. "We want to preserve, protect and strengthen our culture by valuing the legacy that has been created by our predecessors, as well as the legacy that contemporary professionals are creating. I offer my sincerest thanks to everyone who played a role in creating this significant document which recognizes the value of our arts and heritage."

Media contact: Melony O�Neill, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2002 11 23                                      12:55 p.m.