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Tourism, Culture and Recreation
April 22, 2010

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Terry French,Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation:

JUNO Week Showcases Local Talent, Hospitality

This past weekend, Newfoundland and Labrador and the City of St. John's, hosted the 39th annual JUNO Awards, a celebration of this country's extraordinary musical talent — and also a celebration of our capital city and our province as a whole.

The event was not without its challenges — but Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are well known for rising above a little adversity. We can look back now and know that all involved did a fantastic job of making this event an incredible experience for the artists involved, and for music fans in Newfoundland and Labrador and throughout Canada.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador invested more than $1 million into the JUNOs, and we anticipate a short-term return on investment of about $10 million in terms of economic activity generated. The national exposure we received, including the opportunity to showcase 260 local artists, will also bring long-term benefits to the province — particularly in terms of highlighting Newfoundland and Labrador's vibrant cultural scene, an important sector to which this government has contributed over $28 million since the launch of our cultural strategy, Creative Newfoundland and Labrador in 2006.

But what struck me most during the weekend was how a little fog and damp weather could not discourage people from having a good time — and for showing our visitors a good time. JUNOs on George was a great success. For the first time in JUNO history, the show was broadcast simultaneously at an outside venue, allowing even more people to be part of the JUNO excitement. Thanks to Kim Stockwood and Damhnait Doyle for doing such a great job hosting.

Special congratulations are extended to local singer and songwriter, Amelia Curran, for winning a JUNO for Roots and Traditional Recording of the Year for her album, Hunter Hunter. It was great to see a local artist receive national recognition.

I also ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ken Marshall, Chair of the JUNO Host Committee, and all of the staff and volunteers who made Ruckus on the Edge such a rich and diverse celebration of music in the week leading up to the JUNOs. It was an amazing week, and all the hard work certainly paid off.

Thanks to them — and thanks to the people of St. John's — for once again showing that this city, and this province, has what it takes to host a world-class event.

2010 04 22                                                 1:45 p.m.
 


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