The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced an investment of an additional $225,000 for the Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to support Celebrating Bartlett 2009, an event to mark the life and achievements of Arctic explorer Captain Bob Bartlett.

The funding, to be provided over a two-year period, will bring the total Provincial Government investment in this event to $400,000 since 2006.

At a news conference held today in St. John�s, Minister Jackman said the Provincial Government is pleased to support activities around this significant event.

"Captain Bob Bartlett�s accomplishments include far more than his famous 1909 Polar expedition with Robert Peary," Minister Jackman said. "He is internationally recognized for his early Arctic exploration and subsequent scientific expeditions."

Activities being organized by the association include travelling exhibits, dramatic presentations, educational programs, lectures, and a ports program with the Bowdoin, an Arctic expeditionary schooner from Bartlett�s era, the minister noted.

"As a department, and as a government, we are committed to honouring and preserving the legacy of Captain Bob Bartlett for present and future generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians," Minister Jackman said. "We expect this event will also highlight and promote the accomplishments of this famous native son to those outside the province, and encourage visitors to take part in the celebrations."

The Honourable Ed Roberts, as chair of the Celebrating Bartlett 2009 steering committee, thanked the Provincial Government for helping get the project off the ground, and for its continued efforts in making the event a success.

"We are delighted that the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation has been involved in Celebrating Bartlett 2009 from the early planning stages, and is a significant financial contributor to the program," Mr. Roberts said. "The Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador has also received tremendous assistance from the department in helping to bring this celebration to the attention of the travel industry."

The funding provided to Celebrating Bartlett 2009 is part of a broader strategy to develop more creative communities and regions, and is consistent with the goals outlined in the Provincial Government�s $17.6 million cultural plan, Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture (2006).

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Media contact:

Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca