News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The federal, provincial and municipal governments are investing in the Fredericton Cultural Centre to help with building improvements and to enhance the services the centre provides to the multicultural community.

“Your government understands what matters most to New Brunswickers. The Cultural Centre is the epicentre for the Greater Fredericton’s multicultural community,” said deputy premier Stephen Horsman. “Our investment will assist in necessary improvements to the infrastructure so that this facility can continue to deliver a wide array of services to Fredericton’s increasing newcomer population.”

Horsman spoke on behalf of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault, who is also the minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.

The project includes renovations to the building to increase its capacity to hold meetings while creating efficiencies in the building’s heating and ventilation system.

“The Government of Canada’s investment in the Cultural Centre will help improve this important facility while providing affordable space, resources and services,” said Fredericton MP Matt DeCourcey. “Improvements to the centre will also help attract and retain skilled immigrants and international students while supporting a growing ethno-cultural community, which contributes toward building an inclusive community in our region.”

DeCourcey attended for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, who is also minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

“The City of Fredericton is pleased to support the improvements being made to the Fredericton Intercultural Centre with funding from our Strategic Partner Capital Grant program,” said Fredericton Mayor Mike O’Brien. “The Cultural Centre adds vibrancy to our community and is a key component of our newcomers and immigration strategy.”

The provincial government is investing $369,093, while the federal government is contributing $369,093 through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. The City of Fredericton is providing $50,000.

“This project will let us turn what is essentially storage area into usable space that can give Fredericton non-profit organizations and entrepreneurs a home here at the Cultural Centre,” said Dan Taylor, president and CEO of the board of directors of the Cultural Centre. “We are extremely grateful to the federal and provincial governments, as well as to the City of Fredericton, for making this project a reality. We could not have done this without their support."