THETFORD MINES, Quebec - On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Christian Paradis, Secretary of State (Agriculture) and Member of Parliament (Megantic-L'Erable), today announced funding for the Musée minéralogique et minier de Thetford Mines.

This funding of $10,000 will allow the museum to host two travelling exhibitions from the Royal Ontario Museum. "Egypt--Gift of the Nile" and "Ornamenting the Ordinary--Crafts of South Asia" are being presented at the Musée minéralogique et minier de Thetford Mines between September 10, 2007, and January 6, 2008. These funds will cover part of the costs for installation, dismantling, signs, advertising, and transportation and security.

"The Musée minéralogique et minier has shown innovation and insight by going beyond its usual programming to present exhibitions that highlight the culture and lifestyles of ancient civilizations," said Minister Verner. "I am proud that our Government supports institutions like this one, which aims to increase Canadians' interest in their own heritage and that of the rest of humanity."

"I am pleased that the Government of Canada is providing this support to the Musée minéralogique et minier de Thetford Mines, a pioneer in the region," said Secretary of State Paradis. "The museum helps us discover different chapters of our history and also provides a window on the world through its travelling exhibitions."

François Cinq-Mars, Director of the Musée minéralogique et minier de Thetford Mines, was pleased to receive this funding, which will help the Museum enrich its programming and make these two Royal Ontario Museum exhibitions accessible to the people of Amiante region. "The Exhibition Circulation Fund is essential for ensuring exchanges between Canadian museums and to help regional museums host exhibitions produced by other provinces," said Mr. Cinq-Mars.

The Musée minéralogique et minier de Thetford Mines focuses on the earth sciences. Its mandate is to establish, preserve, and present collections that represent the subsurface of the Appalachians. In
2003-2004, the museum decided to adopt a more diversified program to attract more visitors. Since then, it has presented a wide variety of temporary and travelling exhibitions, like the "Egypt-Gift of the Nile" and "Ornamenting the Ordinary-Crafts of South Asia."

Funding is provided by the Government of Canada through the Exhibition Circulation Fund component of the Department of Canadian Heritage's Museums Assistance Program. This component supports museums and related institutions wishing to host travelling exhibitions from museums in another province or territory. It also supports projects that illustrate Canada's diverse cultural and natural heritage and promote Canada-wide perspectives (travelling exhibitions, museum education and outreach, cooperative initiatives, partnerships, etc.).