The Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), today officially announced a Government of Canada commitment of $5 million to renew the Glenbow Museum in Calgary.

The investment will be used to redevelop the third floor of the Glenbow Museum and create a new permanent exhibition gallery. The gallery, named after Aritha Van Herk's book Mavericks: An Incorrigible History of Alberta, will recognize those people and groups who have contributed to key moments in Alberta's past and have helped shape the course of history in the province.

"The Government of Canada is proud to recognize Alberta's significant contribution to Confederation over the past 100 years, and our $5 million commitment to the Glenbow Museum is a fitting way to mark the province's centennial milestone," said Deputy Prime Minister McLellan. "The investment enables the Glenbow Museum to tell Alberta's story and leave a lasting legacy for all Canadians to enjoy, long after this special year has come to a close."

"Western Economic Diversification Canada's investment in the Glenbow Museum will solidify the museum's already-prominent place in Calgary's cultural life, attracting more tourists and enhancing the sustainability of this community," said Minister Owen. "This project will contribute to Calgary's economy by improving the viability, prosperity and quality of life in the surrounding area and in communities throughout Alberta."

"Development of our permanent gallery Mavericks: An Incorrigible History of Alberta is well on track for opening day in February 2007. Glenbow Museum is grateful for the Government of Canada's investment of $5 million to this newest permanent gallery that celebrates Alberta's centennial through the legendary stories and personalities that have helped shape our province," said President and CEO Mike Robinson.

In January 2005, the Government of Canada committed up to $60 million to commemorate Alberta's centennial. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering $55.2 million of this total for capital legacy proje cts that Albertans and visitors alike can enjoy. Today's $5 million investment is one of the Alberta centennial capital legacy projects that WD is undertaking with community partners.

The Government of Canada has a history of recognizing and celebrating national milestones including the 100 th anniversary of Confederation in 1967 and other provincial centennials.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department mandated to enable economic diversification in communities across Western Canada through activities that promote sustainable communities, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Funding for this initiative was provided for in Budget 2005.

For additional information, contact:

Matthew Wispinski
Communications Advisor
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
(780) 495-4320

Renée Gillen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Western Economic
Diversification and Minister of State (Sport)
Tel: (613) 954-1110
 
Tanis Booth
Communications Specialist
Glenbow Museum
130 9th Ave SE
Calgary AB T2G 0P3
(403) 268-4246
Email: tbooth@glenbow.org