OTTAWA – Garry Breitkreuz, Member of Parliament for Yorkton-Melville, advised on behalf of the Hon. James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage, that applications are now being accepted for the second cycle of funding for Diamond Jubilee Community Celebrations.

“The Department of Canadian Heritage is making funds available to assist communities in celebrations to honour the Queen’s 60-year reign, her service and her dedication to Canada,” said Breitkreuz.  “I would like to encourage communities within Yorkton-Melville to consider undertaking such celebrations to commemorate our heritage and the wonderful legacy of our Queen.”

Canadian not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, municipal governments, and First Nations governments are all eligible to apply for funding under the Diamond Jubilee initiative.  Eligible expenditures must be pertinent, reasonable, and essential expenses required to accomplish the objectives of an eligible project and incurred no earlier than the application receipt date. These can include promotional expenses, translation, communications, entertainment, supplies and equipment, as well as reasonable travel for entertainers and hospitality expenses within Canada as per the guidelines set out by the Treasury Board of Canada.  Travel and hospitality expenses must be directly associated with the proposed activities related to the Diamond Jubilee; and ceremonial and traditional food (such as bannock and salmon for events with an Aboriginal theme).

“The application deadline for this cycle of funding is May 7, 2012, and events honouring the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee must take place between September 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012,” said Breitkreuz.  “This is a very special year, not only for the Queen but for all Canadians.  The Monarchy plays a very important role in our country’s history, and we have before us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate that history.”

For more information on government funding or an application for Diamond Jubilee Community Celebrations, please visit: http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1315852578931/1323095956513.

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