Newton-North Delta MP Sukh Dhaliwal announces Surrey’s Selection as a Canadian ‘Cultural Capital’ for 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(DELTA) - Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal sees the selection of Surrey, BC as a Canadian cultural capital as an indication that the rest of Canada is finally discovering the rich cultural and artistic contributions of those who have made communities like his own so vibrant over the last decade.

The MP was on hand in his constituency office this week when the award of merit was announced by Heritage Canada. The designation of cultural capital status allows the municipality access to funding for special projects that celebrate the arts and culture of the local communities.

“This is a tremendous honour and an encouraging sign that the wealth of talent and cultural activity within our communities is really making an impact,” Dhaliwal said, “and we are finally getting the recognition we deserve.”

The selection was made by an independent advisory committee of experts in the field of arts and culture. Surrey was selected for its particular population category, as were Nanaimo, Morden, Manitoba and Sackville, New Brunswick. Communities are judged by their cultural achievements and their demonstrated commitment to the arts and culture.

“When I am in Ottawa, I often talk of our corner of the country as ahead of the curve in the way we are growing and culturally thriving,” Dhaliwal added, “now the rest of Canada can truly discover what I am talking about.”

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Media contact:
John Delacourt
613-863-7854
Dhalis0@parl.gc.ca