MP Urges Groups To Apply for Celebrate Canada Funds

February 11, 2010

TOBIQUE-MACTAQUAC – Although summer seems like a long time away, organizations need to plan now for activities under the Celebrate Canada program.

Mike Allen, Member of Parliament for Tobique-Mactaquac, reminds local groups that the deadline to apply for funding to hold Canada Day (July 1), National Aboriginal Day (June 21) and Canadian Multiculturalism Day (June 27) events is Feb. 28.

“People in the riding are very patriotic and we always enjoy the celebrations in our communities, so I encourage all eligible organizations to get their applications into the Department of Canadian Heritage before the end of the month,” said the Chair of the Conservative Atlantic Caucus. “Applications postmarked after Feb. 28, will not be accepted.”

Those eligible for funding include non-profit organizations, Canadian businesses with projects that are non-commercial in nature, educational institutions, municipal governments and other municipal and provincial institutions. Funding is available for promotional expenses, communications, entertainment, supplies and equipment.

For Canada Day, birthday cake is the only eligible food expense, but for National Aboriginal Day and Canadian Multiculturalism Day, ceremonial and traditional food may be eligible. Fireworks may also be eligible, along with administrative costs.

Funding applications can be found at www.celebratecanada.pch.gc.ca. Organizations may also contact Celebrate Canada! Program, 1045 Main Street, Unit 106 Moncton, N.B. E1C 1H1 or call 1-506-851-7052 or 1-800-561-7146 for more information.

“We live in a great country and it’s important to celebrate Canada, as well as the diverse cultures that make up the national population and that of Tobique-Mactaquac,” said Mr. Allen. “I look forward to attending as many of the local events as I possibly can this summer.”