Executive Council
Tourism, Culture and Recreation
January 21, 2008

Province Congratulates Corner Brook
on Successful Bid to Host 2009 ECMA Awards

The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today congratulated the City of Corner Brook on its successful bid to host the 2009 East Coast Music Awards, Festival and Conference.  The announcement was made earlier today by Wade Pinhorn, chair of the board of directors of the East Coast Music Association (ECMA).

�Congratulations to the City of Corner Brook on its successful bid to host this prestigious music industry event," said Premier Williams.  "The East Coast Music Awards, which include several days of music showcases and related business activities, is a high-profile occasion and will generate tremendous economic benefit to the City of Corner Brook and the entire western region.  In addition to high profile musicians, the ECMAs draw industry professionals � agents, distributors and record company personnel - who are crucial to helping our musical artists further their professional careers.�

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, noted the 2009 ECMAs will be a celebration of Atlantic Canadian musical talent and be of particular benefit to cultural and tourism operators on the west coast.

�This event provides a tremendous opportunity to showcase the incredible depth of musical talent throughout Newfoundland and Labrador,� Minister Jackman said.  �It is also an opportunity for the Atlantic Canadian music industry to experience such key attractions as Marble Mountain, which makes the Corner Brook area one of our premier winter tourism destinations.�

The Honourable Tom Marshall, MHA for the District Humber East, said he was delighted the City of Corner Brook had been successful in its bid.

"The Corner Brook area has developed a well-deserved reputation as a first class venue for hosting events on a local, provincial, national and international level,� Minister Marshall said.  �I am sure the many volunteers look forward to welcoming the event participants to the city and the scenic west coast of our province."

The Provincial Government provides $300,000 annually to Music Newfoundland and Labrador (up from $200,000 in 2005); $100,000 of which is devoted to a Professional Development Fund, through which artists can apply for assistance to attend professional development seminars and events.  In 2006, the Provincial Government released a cultural strategy: Creative Newfoundland and Labrador � The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture, which committed $17.6 million in new funding to the arts, culture and heritage sectors over a three-year period

The 2008 East Coast Music Awards are being held February 7-10 in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Dates for the 2009 event are expected to be announced shortly. 

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2008 01 21                                                        5:30 p.m.