Efforts to enhance Newfoundland and Labrador�s heritage sector have been supported with an investment of $50,000 to the Cape Freels Heritage Trust under the Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP).

"Over the last two years the Provincial Government has more than doubled operational support for community heritage organizations to $690,000 annually," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "We have also redesigned our support program to better meet the needs of small, medium, and large heritage institutions and groups. This funding for the Cape Freels Heritage Trust demonstrates our dedication to enhancing the level of much-needed operational support for heritage organizations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador."

The Cape Freels Heritage Trust is a not-for-profit organization that operates the Barbour Living Heritage Village and the Greenspond Courthouse. The Barbour site explores the lives of the Barbour Family, a typical merchant family involved in the sealing and fishing industry in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. The Greenspond Courthouse was built between 1900 and 1901 and is one of the few surviving courthouses in Bonavista Bay.

"Over the past decade the Cape Freels Heritage Trust has made tremendous strides in the preservation of our heritage and the development of our tourism industry," said Bonavista North MHA Harry Harding. "With the continual advancement of the tourism sector, the trust will continue to play a leading role in providing opportunities for growth and sustainability. With its continued support of the Barbour Living Heritage Village, our government has shown a strong commitment to the development of our region and its people."

"Supporting heritage organizations such as the Cape Freel�s Heritage Trust serves to protect and celebrate our culture and enhance our tourism industry," said Minister Hedderson. "This is an important direction for year two of our cultural plan Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture, a $17.6 million three-year strategy to promote and preserve the province�s culture and heritage."

Under the CEDP program, the Provincial Government will invest a total of $2.15 million this year to assist with the development of arts and heritage initiatives across the province. The arts sector will receive support for operations, marketing, professional development and export for cultural products. The heritage sector will receive support to assist with operations, research, conservation, presentation and interpretation of heritage resources, as well as professional development for heritage professionals.

CEDP projects are selected on the strength of business plans, vision and potential for development within a specific sector. For more information on guidelines, please visit //www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/services_and_programs.htm

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