Government of Canada Partners with MONTREAL HIGH LIGHTS

MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC--(Marketwire - Feb. 17, 2011) - During the official opening ceremonies of the 12^th edition of the MONTRÉAL HIGH LIGHTS Festival, the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, and the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State (Canada Economic Development), reconfirmed the Government of Canada funding announced last July for this popular international event.

Funding from Canadian Heritage will help promote two components of the festival: Performing Arts (indoor shows and Nuit Blanche à Montréal) and Celebration of Light (artistic activities, public activities and the High Lights Event). Funding from Canada Economic Development is mainly being used to promote the festival internationally. This year's Festival will take place from February 17 to 27, 2011.

"We are always pleased to take part in projects as unique and innovative as these, which showcase the talents of artists from Canada and abroad," said Minister Moore. "MONTRÉAL HIGH LIGHTS plays a leading role in contributing to Montréal's promotion and economic growth, and we are proud to support it."

"Featuring a wealth of activities, this 11-day gourmet and cultural gathering will help stimulate Montréal's economy and boost its tourism offerings," said Minister of State Lebel.

The MONTRÉAL HIGH LIGHTS Festival is a multi-disciplinary event that offers the city's residents and visitors a professional and diverse program of activities. The 2011 edition, with Celebrating Women as its theme, will present a range of different female from around the world and sharing Montréal's stages. In addition, about 30 different shows and 170 artistic activities in a variety of disciplines (music, dance, theatre, visual arts, circus arts, and comedy) will be performed by more than 100 artists from Québec, elsewhere in Canada, and abroad.

The Department of Canadian Heritage has provided funding of $240,000 over two years, ($120,000 for each of the 2011 and 2012 editions) through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund. This program gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.

Canada Economic Development has provided funding of $1,355,080 for the 2009, 2010, and 2011 editions under its Community Diversification program. This program helps Quebec regions maintain and develop their economic activity base.

This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.