Mr. Speaker, as Minister responsible for culture, it was my great pleasure this past Saturday evening to attend an annual celebration of the creative excellence of Newfoundland and Labrador artists. Celebrated author, Kevin Major, chairperson of the Arts and Letters Committee joined me in presenting the 2007 Arts and Letters Awards. The presentation ceremony at The Rooms was interspersed with readings, a visual presentation and performances by some of this year�s winners.

For 55 years, the Provincial Arts and Letters Awards have helped to set the foundation for the creative community of Newfoundland and Labrador, honouring many of this province�s talented artists. Thousands of this province�s professional and amateur artists have expressed themselves creatively through participation in the program. The continued success of the Arts and Letters Awards is a clear indication that the arts community in Newfoundland and Labrador is a vibrant cultural force.

Mr. Speaker this government recognizes the vital contribution of our artists, and for that reason, in Budget 2007 we continue to invest significantly in culture as part of our cultural plan Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture.

I am pleased to note that we have doubled the prize money in the Arts and Letters Awards this year to $46,000 from last year�s allocation of $23,000. This has translated into increased awards and an increase in cash prizes. In total, 70 awards were handed out at Saturday evening�s ceremony. Cash prizes in the senior division have increased to $1,000 from $750 and in the junior division they have increased to $250 from $200. The evening�s top cash prize, the Percy Janes First Novel Award, was increased to $1,500 from $1,000. This prestigious award was presented to Degan Davis for his manuscript The Forgetting Room.

Mr. Speaker, along with extending congratulations to all the recipients of this year�s awards, I also wish to extend my sincere thanks to the Arts and Letters Committee who volunteer their time and effort in making this program a success: Kevin Major, committee chairperson, Anita Best, Marlene Creates, Don Lane, Bernice Morgan, Calvin Patey, Kjellrun Hesteken and Di Dabinett.

Mr. Speaker, the Arts and Letters Awards have helped to foster and develop the creative talent of artists throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, and this government has clearly demonstrated that it is committed to their continued success. Having said that, it is equally clear that the people of this province are themselves dedicated to these awards. I am pleased to inform the House that this year, nearly one thousand entries were submitted from communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. A full list of this year�s recipients can be viewed on-line at www.gov.nl.ca/artsandletters. As well, an exhibition of selected entries will be featured prominently on the fourth floor of The Rooms until June 17.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.