Canada's Economic Action Plan Invests in Heritage Infrastructure at St. Dunstan's Roman Catholic Basilica National

CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, Aug 27 (MARKET
WIRE) --
The Government of Canada is providing infrastructure funding to St.
Dunstan's Roman Catholic Basilica National Historic Site of Canada, today
announced the Honorable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on
behalf of the Honorable Jim Prentice, Canada's Environment Minister and
Minister responsible for Parks Canada. Today's announcement is part of
Canada's Economic Action Plan to stimulate Canada's economy during the
global recession, which includes major investments in national historic
sites as a means of stimulating growth in the tourism sector.

"Prince Edward Island is proud of the varied and exciting opportunities
offered by its scenic beauty, rich heritage and vibrant culture," said
Minister Shea. "Our national historic sites are of great value to the
local community and offer Canadians a wonderful opportunity to experience
and learn about our diverse history and heritage."

Through Parks Canada's National Historic Sites of Canada Cost-Sharing
Program, the Government of Canada is contributing $425,000 to support the
conservation project at St. Dunstan's Basilica.

"The Diocese of Charlottetown is very pleased that Parks Canada will be
providing funding up to $425,000 to the St. Dunstan's Basilica
Restoration Project through the Parks Canada National Historic Sites
Cost-Sharing Program," said the Most Reverend Vernon Fougere, Apostolic
Administrator, Diocese of Charlottetown. "St. Dunstan's Basilica,
recognized as a National Historic Site, has been undergoing a restoration
process intended to ready the building for the next one hundred years.
Thus far, more than five million dollars has been expended toward
achieving this goal. The support received from Parks Canada will assist
with the completion of this most worthy project."

"This project will help St. Dunstan's Roman Catholic Basilica be an
attraction of choice to visitors," said Minister Prentice. "In our
Economic Action Plan, we recognize just how important history, heritage
and tourism are to the economy, and the important role that our
Cost-Sharing Program will play in support to local economies, as well as
to the fabric of National Historic Sites."

National historic sites contribute to tourism in over 400 communities
across Canada through direct spending, visitor spending and spin-off
economic activity. The Parks Canada National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing
Program, with a budget of $20 million provided in part by Canada's
Economic Action Plan, reflects the government's desire to support job by
providing funding for conservation of National Historic Sites. This
Program provides opportunities for skilled construction and conservation
professionals to work on historic places across the country.

Parks Canada's National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program is a
contribution program whereby up to 50% of eligible costs incurred in the
conservation and presentation of a national historic site are paid by the
Program. Eligible recipients include other levels of government,
not-for-profit organizations and not-for-profit aboriginal organizations.

Parks Canada works to ensure that Canada's historic and natural heritage
is presented and protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation
of all Canadians, today and in the future.

Also available on the Internet at www.pc.gc.ca under Media room.

Contacts:
Office of the Minister of the Environment
Frederic Baril
Press Secretary
819-997-1441

Parks Canada
Media Relations
819-994-3023

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