2002 Juno Awards

What a phenomenal weekend! From the opening reception on Friday evening, the Premier�s Gala on Saturday to the televised show on Sunday night, the 2002 Juno Awards have been a tremendous success.

Hosting the 2002 Juno Awards was an exciting opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador to show the rest of the country the high calibre musical talent we have here and to further promote our cultural tourism industry. This was one of the best attended Juno Awards since its inception in 1970. We received an overwhelming response from the media, the nominees, industry representatives and most importantly, the people of this province.

Over 1,000 people attended the Premier�s Gala and Awards Show. They were treated to true Newfoundland and Labrador hospitality. Kim Stockwood and Seamus O�Regan did a magnificent job as hosts and the performers - Crush, The Fables, The Ennis Sisters and Damhnait Doyle - portrayed the diversity of this province�s musical talent. I congratulate Mary Sexton and Rink Rat Productions for producing this wonderful evening.

The highlight of Saturday night�s celebrations was the presentation of the best new country artist award to our own Ennis Sisters. Congratulations to Maureen, Teresa and Karen and I expect this is just the beginning of the success they will experience nationally and internationally.

The show on Sunday was absolutely fabulous. It was the biggest night in Canadian music and was seen in over a million homes across Canada and internationally. Great Big Sea, who led off the show, brought the thousands who attended to their feet with their rousing renditions of traditional Newfoundland songs.

The Junos also provided a unique opportunity for both the industry and for the people of this province.

The Music Industry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador did an outstanding job organizing a local music extravaganza - JUNOfest 2002 - Music from the Edge. It was the first time a provincial celebration has been linked with the Junos and sanctioned by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Hopefully, its success will make this an annual event wherever the Junos are held.

The Songwriters� Circle was another highly-successful event and a fitting tribute to the late Roger Skinner. It will continue to honour his contribution to the music industry in this province through the establishment of a scholarship for Newfoundland and Labrador musicians.

The 2002 Juno Awards weekend is proof that we can provide a first class entertainment event. I thank all those who have contributed to the success of this weekend. From the musicians, to the producers, to the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and its board, to the Music Industry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, officials of my department, and the many volunteers.

It will be a challenge to match the success of the 2002 Juno Awards. We have raised the bar. What we have achieved here this weekend will now set the standard for future Juno events.

The benefits for Newfoundland and Labrador and its tourism and cultural industries are many. While there were many visitors to the province over the weekend, what we have gained from the exposure of the 2002 Juno Awards will be returned again and again.

2002 04 15                       2:00 p.m.