SASKATCHEWAN WINS BID TO HOST 2007 JUNO AWARDS

Saskatchewan has won the bid to host The 2007 JUNO Awards in Saskatoon.

The announcement was made by Melanie Berry, President of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), the producers of The JUNO Awards, at a media conference held in Saskatoon today.

"Saskatchewan has long been regarded as home to a vibrant artistic and cultural community, so we are thrilled that Saskatchewan will have the opportunity to host Canada's premiere music awards show," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "The JUNO Awards are a major tourist draw, which will be good for Saskatchewan both economically and for our cultural industries."

"We're thrilled to bring Canada's largest annual celebration of music to the heartland of the country," CARAS President Melanie Berry said. "We anticipate the spotlight will shine brightly on the vibrant Saskatchewan artistic community in 2007."

"The City of Saskatoon is extremely excited to be hosting Canada's top musical talent," Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison said. "I can guarantee that the passion, enthusiasm, and hospitality of the citizens of Saskatoon will make The 2007 JUNO Awards the best ever."

The Government of Saskatchewan has committed to date $500,000, along with $250,000 from SaskTel, in national sponsorship toward the $1 million event fee. The City of Saskatoon is contributing the rest of the balance of $250,000.

"Winning the bid to host The 2007 JUNO Awards is testament to Saskatchewan Creative Music 2007 Inc.'s foresight and leadership in bringing the JUNO Awards to our province," Calvert said. "The JUNO Awards are the first of a number of events Saskatchewan hopes to host in 2007."

Saskatchewan Creative Music 2007 Inc. is a non-profit bid committee with representatives from key tourism organizations in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw, who worked in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Recording Industry Association.

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/L'academie canadienne des arts et des sciences de l'enregistrement (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music and recording industries and to contribute toward higher artistic and industry standards. The main focus of CARAS is the exploration and development of opportunities to showcase and promote Canadian artists and music through television vehicles such as The JUNO Awards.

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For More Information, Contact:

Angie Fergusson Executive Council Saskatoon Phone: (306)933-8299 Cell: (306)229-1569	Katherine Holmes CARAS Phone: (416)628-5604 Cell: (416)919-6310
Jill Cope City of Saskatoon Saskatoon Phone: (306)975-3461