March 11, 1999
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Government supports cultural and recreational initiatives

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, announced today recent grants and subsidies issued by the department to not-for-profit organizations in the province.

"Participation in and promotion of events costs a significant amount of money. I am pleased that government has been able to provide many not-for-profit organizations across the province with funding towards the total cost of their initiatives," said Furey. "The funding which government has provided to these organizations enables the groups to participate in events they would otherwise not be able to be a part of."

Furey added: "The funding provided to these groups enhances and promotes our heritage, culture, sporting and tourism industries. I believe it is a clear indication of the provincial government's commitment to support the endeavours of these groups."

The following is a list of the grants and subsidies distributed by the department in January and February, prior to, during and just after the election:

NAME                                                                                  AMOUNT

1. LABRADOR TRAVEL POLICY
Travel expenses for various teams and groups from
Labrador (travel within the province)                                        $52,443.87
Nf & Lab Cross Country Ski Association                                $7,153.73
Our Lady of Labrador School                                                 $1,465.85
Labrador School Board                                                          $3,043.08

2. RECREATION GRANTS
Corner Brook Triathlon Committee                                       $20,000
Coaching Association of Canada                                         $416
Newfoundland and Labrador Hockey Association                  $22,600
Alpine Ski Newfoundland and Labrador                                $15,700
National Sport Centre                                                         $5,000
Newfoundland Amateur Baseball Association                        $1,500
Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro
(electrical subsidy - Labrador)                                                $1,230
Newfoundland and Labrador Wrestling                                    $2,000

3. CULTURAL PROMOTION
Prince of Wales Collegiate                                                       $2,000
Baccalieu Choristers                                                                $5,000
Quintessential Vocal Ensemble                                                 $1,500
The Celtic Fiddlers                                                                  $5,000
The United Nations Society                                                     $1,000
The Beothuk Institute                                                               $2,000
Cine Terre-Neuve Inc.                                                             $5,000
Ramea Tourism Commission                                                    $2,500
Bel Cantos Singers                                                                   $7,000
Marystown Pathfinders                                                             $1,000
Airport Nordic Ski Club                                                           $3,000
East Coast Music Association                                                 $25,000
Glovertown High School                                                           $2,000
Norris Point Tourism Trail                                                         $3,000
St. Joseph's Academy                                                               $5,000
Little Bay Heritage Committee Inc.                                            $1,000
Avalon Convention and Visitors Bureau                                     $5,000
Anglican Cathedral                                                                    $5,000
Parsons Pond 2000 Regatta                                                      $5,000
Deer Lake Chamber of Commerce                                            $1,445
The Salvation Army Band                                                          $3,000
Tommy Sexton Foundation Project                                          $10,000
Port Aux Choix Come Home Year                                             $5,000
Cape St. George Town Council                                                  $5,000
Newfoundland and Labrador Drama Society                               $2,500
Conservation and Heritage                                                          $1,000
Museum Association of Newfoundland and Labrador                  $2,000

4. CANADA WINTER GAMES INITIATIVES
Canada Winter Games Host Society                                          $75,000
Development of Information Booklet                                            $3,738
Travel, meals, and accommodations for athletes, coaches,
and mission staff                                                                         $19,500
Travel for Newfoundland and Labrador athletes
currently living outside the province                                              $12,648

"The tremendous results of our provincial athletes at the Canada Winter Games in Corner Brook, is an example of the benefits of these types of grants," said Furey. "Our athletes made us proud and achieved the highest number of medals in the history of the games for Newfoundland and Labrador. The continued financial support of sport, recreation and cultural programs in this province will lead to further benefit for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

Media contact: Tara Laing, (709) 729-0928.

1999 03 11 2:30 p.m.