Press Releases

VANCOUVER, BRITISH-COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - March 20, 2010) - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced funding for the Paralympic Torch Relay National Educational Outreach Initiative of the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability (ALACD).

The ALACD's National Educational Outreach Initiative will provide schools, communities, and young people across Canada with a better understanding of the needs of people with disabilities. This initiative will also promote the benefits of healthy communities, healthy lifestyles, and individual excellence; show support for Canadian Paralympic athletes; and encourage the participation of new athletes in the Paralympic movement.

"Our Government is proud to invest in people with disabilities in sport and physical activity programs," said Minister Moore. "The National Educational Outreach Initiative has built momentum and enthusiasm for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games and will leave a legacy of knowledge well after the Paralympic Flame is extinguished."

"The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as other Canadians," said Minister Finley. "That is why we ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This important step highlights how Canada is a world leader in helping people with disabilities."

"The Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability is pleased to partner with the Government of Canada to create awareness and build excitement about the abilities of Canadians with disabilities around the 2010 Paralympic Games," said Leanne Squair, Chair of the ALACD. "Through the National Educational Outreach Initiative, the Alliance is working with our partners and provincial and territorial affiliates to organize demonstration events and make community and school presentations to inspire Canadians to celebrate the 2010 Paralympic Games."

The Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability is a national not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to the wellness of Canadians with disabilities through healthy active living. The Alliance, which was created in 1989, is a national network of more than 125 organizations dedicated to sport, recreation, and health, and it has a community reach of more than half a million Canadians. It is organized in every province and territory and has a strong outreach in Canadian communities to connect citizens with disabilities to local opportunities.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $96,000 to the ALACD. This investment will increase awareness of the Paralympic Torch Relay and the Paralympic Games through presentations, demonstrations, celebrations, and knowledge transfer of the abilities of Canadians with a disability and the Paralympic movement in general.

For more information on ALACD programs and activities across Canada, visit www.ala.ca/Content/2010Paralympics/Events.asp

For more information on the Paralympic Games and Torch Relay, visit www.canada2010.gc.ca

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.)

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
        Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
        and Official Languages
        Matthew Deacon
        Press Secretary
        819-997-7788
        matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca

        Canadian Heritage
        Media Relations
        819-994-9101
        1-866-569-6155
        media@pch.gc.ca

Source: Canadian Heritage

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - March 20, 2010) - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced funding for the Paralympic Torch Relay National Educational Outreach Initiative of the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability (ALACD).

The ALACD's National Educational Outreach Initiative will provide schools, communities, and young people across Canada with a better understanding of the needs of people with disabilities. This initiative will also promote the benefits of healthy communities, healthy lifestyles, and individual excellence; show support for Canadian Paralympic athletes; and encourage the participation of new athletes in the Paralympic movement.

"Our Government is proud to invest in people with disabilities in sport and physical activity programs," said Minister Moore. "The National Educational Outreach Initiative has built momentum and enthusiasm for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games and will leave a legacy of knowledge well after the Paralympic Flame is extinguished."

"The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as other Canadians," said Minister Finley. "That is why we ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This important step highlights how Canada is a world leader in helping people with disabilities."

"The Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability is pleased to partner with the Government of Canada to create awareness and build excitement about the abilities of Canadians with disabilities around the 2010 Paralympic Games," said Leanne Squair, Chair of the ALACD. "Through the National Educational Outreach Initiative, the Alliance is working with our partners and provincial and territorial affiliates to organize demonstration events and make community and school presentations to inspire Canadians to celebrate the 2010 Paralympic Games."

The Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability is a national not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to the wellness of Canadians with disabilities through healthy active living. The Alliance, which was created in 1989, is a national network of more than 125 organizations dedicated to sport, recreation, and health, and it has a community reach of more than half a million Canadians. It is organized in every province and territory and has a strong outreach in Canadian communities to connect citizens with disabilities to local opportunities.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $96,000 to the ALACD. This investment will increase awareness of the Paralympic Torch Relay and the Paralympic Games through presentations, demonstrations, celebrations, and knowledge transfer of the abilities of Canadians with a disability and the Paralympic movement in general.

For more information on ALACD programs and activities across Canada, visit www.ala.ca/Content/2010Paralympics/Events.asp

For more information on the Paralympic Games and Torch Relay, visit www.canada2010.gc.ca

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.)

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
        Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
        and Official Languages
        Matthew Deacon, Press Secretary
        819-997-7788
        matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca

        Canadian Heritage
        Media Relations
        819-994-9101
        1-866-569-6155
        media@pch.gc.ca

Source: Canadian Heritage

Crowds have turned out on Facebook and for the Sarasota Mayor’s facedown with the sharks at Mote Marine Laboratory, but on Thursday, March 25 starting at 6:30 pm onGoogle Island(formerly known as City Island) the public can show their support dancing along to the effervescent original songs of singerLindsey Rayin a free public concert. Jake Sasseville, star of Fox TV’s The Edge, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event. This seals the deal on a high energy, blast of excitement on the bayfront all for the support of Google Fiber in Sarasota.

Sarasota, FL (Vocus) March 20, 2010 -- Crowds have turned out on Facebook and for the Sarasota Mayor’s facedown with the sharks at Mote Marine Laboratory, but on Thursday, March 25 starting at 6:30 pm on Google Island (formerly known as City Island) the public can show their support dancing along to the effervescent original songs of singer Lindsey Ray in a free public concert.

Ray’s performances of her own songs have been featured on Target national TV commercials on NBC TV shows “Chuck” and “Mercy”, ABC TV shows “Ghost Whisperer” and “Castle”, Style Network, E! Channel, Lifetime’s original movie “Sorority Wars”, MTV, among others. Her debut EP ‘Picture Perfect’, produced by Bill Lefler (Ingrid Michaelson, Dashboard Confessional, Gym Class Heroes), was released on November 12th, 2009. She is currently in the studio completing her forthcoming full-length album set to be released Summer 2010.

Lindsey Ray also will make a brief appearance during a Google Island Pep Rally at Mattison’s Google Grille on Main Street, Sarasota starting at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, March 24 to get the crowds revved up and excited about the big event Thursday evening on Google Island.

Jake Sasseville, star of Fox TV’s The Edge, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event. This seals the deal on a high energy, blast of excitement on the bayfront all for the support of Google Fiber in Sarasota.

Lindsey Ray, and her band’s appearance in Sarasota for this event, is sponsored by the Downtown Sarasota Alliance, NexBoom, and Lotus with the support of Sarasota County Parks & Recreation, all in the effort to show strong community support for Sarasota’s bid to be one of the first communities in the nation to be chosen for a Google fiber network.

Beverages and other amenities will be available at the concert, which will be situated at the eastern tip of Google Island. Parking is available at the Mote Marine Laboratory lots and in the western end of the Ken Thompson Park.    

Who: Lindsay Ray, singer/songwriter/recording artist and MC Jake Sasseville What: Free concert on Google Island, Sarasota Where: Let’s repeat, GOOGLE ISLAND, Sarasota When: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm Why: To bring Google Fiber to Sarasota! What to Wear: Google Glam

Sarasota’s Google Fiber Resources:   

http://www.googleisland.net           http://www.facebook.com/googlefiber                 http://www.google.com/appserv/fiberrfi/

LINDSEY RAY BIO     Hailing from the small coastal town of Belfast, Maine, Lindsey Ray (born Lindsey Bachelder) comes from a long line of musicality from both her mother and father's sides of the family. Her father, David Bachelder, was a local musician favorite known for his Sinatra-like vocals and undeniable talent. Virtually every member of Lindsey’s father’s family are gifted singers who play piano by ear. It was no surprise when Lindsey followed in their footsteps.     Lindsey began her journey into the music business, while in high school, in 1999. She started working with a production company in NYC and often spent weekends on long bus trips, to and from NYC, to record songs in the studio. Her love of music drove her, and she opted out of college to pursue her career. She moved to East Orange, New Jersey to work with producers to record a demo in hopes of landing a record deal. While recording demos, Lindsey was inspired by newcomer singer/songwriters at that time, such as Alicia Keys and India Arie, who were playing their instruments and writing their own songs. She began to realize her desire to write her own songs and longed to find her own voice. She soon moved back home to Maine to do so.         Back home in Maine, she began singing and playing keys in local bands and was soon introduced to Dave Johnson, a retired producer from Philadelphia. Dave instantly recognized Lindsey’s talent and potential. He encouraged her to finally take the leap and write her own songs. She then took on the stage name Lindsey Ray, in honor of her late paternal grandfather, Raymond Bachelder. Lindsey began booking herself as a solo act and soon caught the eye of Original Signal Recordings, a new indie record label division of Sony, when she uploaded a video - filmed live at an open mic night at the Hotel Utah in San Francisco, CA - to a competition on the Music Nation website. She became one of the first artists signed to the label and quickly relocated to Los Angeles, CA where she began collaborating with top songwriters such as Justin Gray (Joss Stone, Emma Bunton), Lindy Robbins (Nick Lachey, Backstreet Boys), Shep Solomon (Kelly Clarkson, David Cook), and many others.     While continuing to collaborate with various songwriters, Lindsey was introduced to Tim Myers, formerly of multi-platinum band OneRepublic. Lindsey and Tim had instant musical chemistry and wrote three songs together. One of the songs, a duet titled "Brand New Day" (written for Tim's forthcoming solo album), was quickly picked up to power the Target national ad campaign and commercials from 2008-2009. Since then, Lindsey's songs have been featured on NBC TV shows “Chuck” and “Mercy”, ABC TV shows “Ghost Whisperer” and “Castle”, Style Network, E! Channel, Lifetime’s original movie “Sorority Wars”, MTV, among others.         Lindsey has the ability to write honest songs about life's trials and tribulations while maintaining a positive outlook that gives listeners hope for a better tomorrow. Her optimistic nature assures us that although life is never picture perfect, we are perfect just the way we are.     Lindsey’s debut EP ‘Picture Perfect’, produced by Bill Lefler (Ingrid Michaelson, Dashboard Confessional, Gym Class Heroes), was released on November 12th, 2009. She is currently in the studio completing her forthcoming full-length album set to be released Summer 2010.

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Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010GoogleIsland/3/prweb3756874.htm.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - March 20, 2010) - The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced funding for projects that highlight the contributions that people with disabilities make to Canada and their communities.

The announcement took place at Robson Square during the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. Minister Finley announced $209,000 for the Canadian Paralympic Committee and for Ryerson University's School of Disability Studies to support two projects that pay tribute to the achievements of Canadians with disabilities.

"The Government of Canada is proud to celebrate the abilities and accomplishments of all Canadians," said Minister Finley. "Our government is investing in the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Ryerson University projects to improve accessibility and promote excellence in sport for Canadians with disabilities. These projects have been showcased at the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and are testaments to their overwhelming contributions to Canadian history, culture and sports."

The Canadian Paralympic Committee received $189,000 to extend the reach of a national advertising campaign running for the duration of the Paralympics. The campaign consists of print and television ads to encourage Canadians with disabilities to participate in sports, and to promote interest in their athletic achievements.

"The hosting of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games is an historic moment in Canadian sport," said Dr. Gaetan Tardif, Assistant Chef de Mission for the 2010 Canadian Paralympic Team and member of the Canadian Paralympic Committee's Board of Directors. "Canadian Paralympic athletes are continuing Canada's tradition of excellence by giving the performances of a lifetime in Whistler and Vancouver-on home soil for the first time. The funding provided by the Government of Canada is helping us to raise awareness across Canada and inspire all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport."

Ryerson University's School of Disability Studies received $20,000 in support for its exhibit Out From Under: Disability, History and Things to Remember, which has been on display since March 8 as part of the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad celebration. The Government of Canada's contribution has supported the development of plain language translation, audio recordings, readers and Braille signage to make the exhibit fully accessible to people with disabilites.

"Visitors from around the world could experience fully accessible visual culture that commemorates and honours the resilience and creativity of disabled citizens," said Dr. Melanie Panitch, Director of Ryerson's School of Disability Studies. "This exhibit affirms the rights of disabled citizens to accessible and inclusive public culture."

The Social Development Partnerships Program - Disability component has supported a wide range of community-based initiatives that help people with disabilities overcome social and economic barriers to full participation in society.

The Government of Canada has introduced several measures to help people with disabilities and their families participate more fully in Canada's social and economic life. Year two of Canada's Economic Action Plan builds on the significant investments made by the Government to assist people with disabilities.

To learn more about the Disability component of the Social Development Partnerships Program, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/disability.

This news release is available in alternative formats on request.

BACKGROUNDER

The Disability component of the Social Development Partnerships Program aims to increase the effectiveness of the not-for-profit sector in meeting the social development needs and aspirations of people with disabilities, by supporting innovative solutions to remove barriers through improved access to programs and services.

Under the Disability component, the federal government has provided grant funding to national disability organizations since 1998 to increase the accessibility of information, programs and services, to improve opportunities and life chances and enhance the well-being of people with disabilities.

The objectives of the Disability component are to:

-   support the development and use of effective approaches to address
    social issues and barriers confronting people with disabilities;
-   develop, exchange and apply knowledge, tools and resources that sustain
    social inclusion for individuals, families and communities;
-   foster collaboration, partnerships, alliances and networks to address
    existing and emerging social issues; and
-   recognize and support the ability of not-for-profit organizations to
    identify and address social development priorities.

2010 Federal Budget Helps People with Disabilities

The Government is committed to helping people with disabilities and their families participate fully in Canada's social and economic life. Budget 2010 proposes a number of actions:

-   a 10-year carry-forward of Canada Disability Savings Grant and Canada
    Disability Savings Bond entitlements, because some families may not be
    able to contribute regularly to their Registered Disability Savings Plan
    (RDSP).
-   allow a deceased individual's RRSP or Registered Retirement Income Fund
    proceeds to be transferred, tax-free, to the RDSP of a financially
    dependent disabled child or grandchild.
-   $45 million over the next three years to extend and expand the Enabling
    Accessibility Fund, which enhances accessibility for people with
    disabilities.
-   $5 million a year to the Canadian Paralympic Committee to build on the
    successes of our Paralympians and continue to encourage people with
    disabilities to actively participate in sport.
-   $2 million over two years to Special Olympics Canada to help enrich the
    lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through sport and
    competition and prepare them for competition in Special Olympics events.
-   a one-year $30-million increase in funding for Skills Link, a component
    of the Youth Employment Strategy, which helps youth facing a range of
    circumstances, including young people with disabilities.

In addition, the second year of Canada's Economic Action will continue other projects announced in the 2009 federal budget that help people with disabilities. For example, Budget 2009:

-   provided a one-time federal investment of $1 billion over two years for
    renovations and energy retrofits to social housing, including
    renovations that support people with disabilities.
-   invested an additional $75 million over two years in the Affordable
    Housing Initiative for the construction of new housing units for people
    with disabilities.
-   enhanced tax relief provided by the Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB) by
    $580 million, including an increase in the WITB supplement for people
    eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. The supplement currently
    provides up to $462.50 in additional WITB payments.
-   made available funds to enhance the accessibility of Crown-owned
    buildings for people with disabilities. To date, 40 projects have been
    completed, and over 175 projects worth about $16 million are currently
    underway.

This builds on the significant investments made by the Government to assist people with disabilities.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
        Office of Minister Finley
        Michelle Bakos
        Press Secretary
        819-994-2482

        Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
        Media Relations Office
        819-994-5559

Source: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada