The Atlantic ECONOMUSEUM Corporation (AEC) Inc. will continue to develop its network of ÉCONOMUSÉE cultural tourism attractions in Atlantic Canada thanks to a significant investment by the Government of Canada.

Targeting a growing number of tourists who seek to learn as they travel, businesses accredited by the Atlantic ÉCONOMUSÉE Network encourage visitors to experience the heritage of traditional crafts through interactive displays and studio demonstrations. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) will provide more than $760,000 to the AEC Inc. to expand the Network from its current 13 member businesses to 23, by September 2010.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to support projects such as the Atlantic ÉCONOMUSÉE Network that help expand economic opportunities for Atlantic Canadian communities and the wider region,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of ACOA. “Through this investment, our Government continues to help strengthen the region’s tourism industry, and in turn, the economy of Atlantic Canada.

Established in 2001, AEC Inc. is a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve, develop and promote traditional trades and know-how by encouraging the establishment of living museums. Based on the Québec network, ÉCONOMUSÉES are self-financed through the sale of their products and are considered a model of sustainable development by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

“UNESCO recognizes the ÉCONOMUSÉE model as a legitimate way to preserve intangible cultural heritage,” said Tom Young, Executive Director, AEC Inc. “The goal of the Network is to continue to take a leadership position in developing tourism through partnerships with creative and resourceful business owners.”

ACOA’s investment of $763,600 over three years, through its Business Development Program, will enable the AEC Inc. to assist the Atlantic ÉCONOMUSÉE Network to increase its contribution to the Atlantic region’s tourism industry, by expanding the Network and through the development of a new marketing strategy and marketing activities.

Tourism is a $3.24 billion industry in Atlantic Canada. It generates $450 million in tax revenues, employs 110,000 Atlantic Canadians, and represents almost 5.5% of the Atlantic region’s GDP.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

The Atlantic ECONOMUSEUM Corporation (AEC) Inc. will continue to expand its growing network of ÉCONOMUSÉE attractions in Atlantic Canada thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada.

National Defence and ACOA Minister Peter MacKay said that this investment will help strengthen Atlantic Canada’s tourism industry, and in turn, the region’s economy.

ACOA is investing more than $760,000 over three years through its Business Development Program to help expand the number of members in the Network. The funding will also go towards the development and implementation of a new marketing strategy aimed at increasing awareness of the ÉCONOMUSÉE brand.

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INFORMATION:

Rose May Gallant
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-851-3034	

Julie MacMillan
Project Administrator
Atlantic ÉCONOMUSÉE Network
902-254-2772



MEDIA BACKGROUNDER

Following is the list of the 13 members of the Atlantic 
ÉCONOMUSÉE Network, along with their respective business 
themes.

New Brunswick
Belliveau Orchard (Memramcook) – Pomiculture
London-Wul Fibre Arts (Lakeburn) – Handspinning
Olivier Soapery (Sainte-Anne-de-Kent) – Soap Making
The Barn in Bloomfield (Bloomfield) – Cabinetmaker

Newfoundland and Labrador
The Dark Tickle Co. (St. Lunaire-Griquet) – Wild Berries

Nova Scotia
Amos Pewter (Mahone Bay) – Pewter
Artifacts in Clay (Chester) – Stoneware Production
Domaine de Grand Pré (Grand Pré) – Winemaking
Harbour Quilt Company (Antigonish) – Quilt-making
Spruce Top Rug Hooking Studio (Mahone Bay) – Rug Hooking
Sugar Moon Farm (Earltown) – Maple Syrup Making
The Bay Hammock Company (Seabright) – Rope-making

Prince Edward Island
Walker Studios (Charlottetown) – Goldsmith: Jewellery