The following is being distributed at the request of Atlantic Canada House:

Atlantic Canada House Brings Atlantic Canada Culture to the
Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games

The best of Atlantic Canada will be presented to the world during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Canada�s four Atlantic Provinces, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, along with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, are pleased to present the Atlantic Canada House in Vancouver from February 13 to 28, 2010.

�The province of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to be a partner of Atlantic Canada House,� said the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. �We will be showcasing the natural beauty, rich culture and traditions of the East Coast as a whole, but will also be focusing on Newfoundland and Labrador as a cultural powerhouse, a tourism destination of choice, and a dynamic place to work, live and invest. Of particular interest will be activities around Newfoundland and Labrador Day at the Atlantic Canada House pavilion on February 26, 2010, where we host a celebration of Newfoundland and Labrador stories, song, food and dance.�

Atlantic Canada House will provide an inspiring and authentic setting to experience all that Atlantic Canada has to offer as a cultural tourism destination and a place to live, work and grow. For two weeks, Canada�s east coast will come alive on the west coast at the Atlantic Canada House, located on Granville Island, British Columbia. A historical and popular venue, Granville Island is expecting over 35,000 visitors daily during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Atlantic Canada House is a pan-Atlantic partnership comprised of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the four provincial governments. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is contributing $2,500,000 and each of the four provincial partners is contributing $500,000 towards the Atlantic Canada House project.

�Working with the four Atlantic Canada provinces, the Government of Canada is pleased to take this opportunity of the Olympic Games to present our region to the world,� said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). �Atlantic Canada House will promote and showcase Atlantic Canadian trade and investment, business, tourism and culture.�

The pavilion space will have an important trade and investment component with space for hosting and meeting with industry leaders. Visitors from around the world, international media, as well as residents of Vancouver, will be invited to taste Atlantic Canada�s culinary delights, discover the region�s culture and spirit, and share in Atlantic Canadian hospitality. Partners in this project look forward to showcasing Atlantic Canada at the largest sporting event in the world.

Included in the pavilion space will be performance stages and venues that will feature and showcase Atlantic Canadian artists to visitors from around the world.

Atlantic Canada House programming details will be announced in November 2009 and a complete schedule of events will be available online at www.atlanticcanadahouse.ca. 

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2009 11 23                                                  10:30 a.m.