SASKATCHEWAN BIDDING FOR 2007 JUNOS

The province is providing $100,000 to a non-profit organization develop bids to host two national music awards in Saskatchewan in 2007.

"Saskatchewan is bidding to host the Juno Awards in Saskatoon and the Canadian Country Music Awards in Regina in 2007," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "If the bids are successful, these events will boost tourism and produce direct and indirect economic benefits for the province."

Saskatchewan Creative Music Inc. is a non-profit organization consisting of the Saskatchewan Recording Industry Association and key tourism and business representatives from Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw.

Saskatchewan Creative Music Inc. will use the funds to create a promotional video about the host cities, to create and promote a bid presentation, and to host a large reception featuring a number of leading Saskatchewan musicians at the 2005 Junos in Winnipeg this April.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to the province's arts and culture sector, and hosting major music awards like the Junos would bring significant profile to Saskatchewan," Beatty said.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967