December 3, 1998
(Works, Services and Transportation)

The following statement was issued today by Lloyd Matthews, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

As my colleagues are undoubtedly aware, the Christmas season is now upon us.

I wish to inform Honourable Members of the House of Assembly and the general public that this evening at 7 p.m., we will celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season in a special way as we hold the 12th annual "Christmas Lights Across Canada" ceremony.

Our province will be the first to switch on Christmas lights on the large Christmas tree on the East Block steps as part of a Canada-wide ceremony organized by the National Capital Commission in Ottawa.

Lights along Prince Philip Parkway will be also be lit. In fact, this year, Memorial University and the Health Sciences Centre have agreed to participate and extend the illumination of Prince Phillip Parkway.

The popularity of this event continues to grow, attracting more and more people each year.

This year's ceremony will feature music provided by the Salvation Army St. John's Citadel Band and a sing-a-long lead by the Eugene Vaters Academy Elementary Choir. Christmas cake, hot chocolate, and other refreshments will be served.

The actual tree-lighting will be broadcast live during the weather segment of CBC television's Here and Now program with host Carl Wells.

Information on the ceremony is accessible through the government home page (www.gov.nl.ca) and we are planning to have a special website with coverage of the event available early next week.

I invite all members of the House to join myself, the premier, emcee Mr. Harry Brown and the general public for this special event which begins at 7 p.m. in front of the Confederation Building, East Block.

1998 12 03 2:45 p.m.