THETFORD MINES, Quebec, February 6, 2009 - Residents of and visitors to the Chaudière-Appalaches region will have the chance to view the travelling exhibit "The GEEE! in Genome" presented by the Musée minéralogique et minier de Thetford Mines (MMMTM), thanks to the participation of the Government of Canada.

On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, today announced funding for the MMMTM. These funds will help the museum fulfill its scientific mandate while also improving Canadians' access to their scientific heritage. "The GEEE! in Genome" will be presented from January 15 to April 26, 2009.

"Our Government is spending more on arts, culture, and heritage than any government in Canadian history," said Minister Moore. "By implementing measures that make these types of exhibitions possible, the Government of Canada provides an opportunity for citizens to enhance their knowledge and understanding of scientific heritage and its value to society as a whole."

"Our Government is proud to support the Musée minéralogique et minier de Thetford Mines, which highlights our rich Canadian scientific heritage," said Minister Paradis. "I would like to congratulate the museum staff and volunteers, who encourage the community's interest in the scientific heritage of Quebec and Canada."

François Cinq-Mars, Director of the Musée minéralogique et minier de Thetford Mines, is pleased with this funding. "Canadian Heritage's Exhibition Circulation Fund is vital to ensuring that these types of exhibits are available in the regions. 'The GEEE! in Genome' is the largest scientific exhibit that we have ever hosted from the Canadian Museum of Nature. Our community now has access to a high-quality, innovative, and interactive exhibit without having to travel to the nation's capital."

The Musée minéralogique et minier de Thetford Mines was founded in 1976 by a group of mineral collectors. The MMMTM is a scientific museum that focuses on the geology of the Appalachian region and the development of mining in the area surrounding Thetford Mines. It promotes access to the Earth sciences and to scientific and technological knowledge in the field of mining. The "GEEE! in Genome" exhibit was produced by the Canadian Museum of Nature. It is part of an extensive, innovative, and multidimensional public education project to inform people about the science and issues surrounding genomics, the study of genes and their functions.

Funding of $9,403 is provided through the Museums Assistance Program (MAP) and Exhibition Circulation Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The MAP aims to preserve and present Canada's rich and diverse heritage and provides opportunities for Canadians to access, appreciate, and enjoy collections and stories from a wide variety of heritage organizations across the country.