Encouraging Private Donations: Government of Canada Matches Funds to Arts Organizations in Calgary

CALGARY, April 24, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Devinder Shory, Member of Parliament (Calgary Northeast), today announced that the Government will match donations made by individuals, companies, and community groups to the EPCOR CENTRE for Performing Arts and the Calgary Philharmonic Society.

"These organizations have a loyal following here in Calgary," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is matching this local support to encourage further donations and ensure that they continue to enrich our lives for many years to come."

"The EPCOR CENTRE is committed to Calgary's success as a dynamic community, rich in connectedness, creativity, curiosity, and self-expression. The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra has been an integral part of our vibrant community for more than 50 years and will continue to celebrate some of the world's greatest music. I am pleased to announce that our Government will match the funds donated to these organizations," said Mr. Shory. "These organizations contribute to the quality of life of Calgary residents, while supporting many jobs, both directly and indirectly."

The EPCOR CENTRE for Performing Arts will receive $217,008.95 and the Calgary Philharmonic Society will receive $122,514.21. These amounts are in addition to those provided by private donors to the organizations' endowment funds.

The funding has been provided through the Endowment Incentives component of the Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program. This year, the Government of Canada is providing 72 cents for every dollar donated by the private sector. Since 2006, this program has provided more than $44 million to various endowment funds, while the private sector has provided $72 million, for a total of more than $116 million.

This initiative complements other measures taken by our Government to encourage private-sector participation in arts funding, such as the tax exemptions on capital gains for donations of publicly traded securities to registered charities announced in the 2006 and 2007 budgets.

The Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program aims to encourage modern management and greater financial stability in arts and heritage organizations. The Program's Endowment Incentives component provides funding to match donations from the private sector.

For more information about this program, visit http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/pcapc-cahsp/103-eng.cfm.

Information:

Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155

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