LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR TO HOST CENTENNIAL GALA

Released on February 25, 2005

Her Honour the Honourable Dr. Lynda Haverstock, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, announced today an historic event to celebrate the province's Centennial.

The Lieutenant Governor's Centennial Gala will take place on May 19th, 2005 at Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon. It will be a star-studded evening celebrating the achievements of Saskatchewan artists, writers, musicians, and entertainers, with special appearances by national and international celebrities.

"This is a unique opportunity to experience the rich fabric and diversity of our homegrown artists," Haverstock said. "Whether they are living in Saskatchewan or around the world, these gifted individuals have helped to shape the cultural identity of our province."

The line up of artists and celebrities participating in the Centennial Gala includes Buffy Sainte Marie, Colin James, Theresa Sokyrka, Brad Johner, Andrea Menard, Dione Taylor, the University of Saskatchewan Amati Quartet and with guests Leslie Nielsen and Pamela Wallin.

"The Gala will recognize established artists who have helped to build a strong foundation for the arts during our first 100 years and will showcase young talent that will lead us into our second century," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "We are pleased to support the Gala and pay tribute to so many people who have helped to make Saskatchewan the vibrant province that it is today."

The provincial government is contributing $650,000 toward the Lieutenant Governor's Centennial Gala. The federal government is matching this contribution, funded by the "Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan Initiative" that was announced last December.

"Saskatchewan's Centennial gives us a wonderful opportunity to showcase the achievements of the people of this province, and our contributions to Canada – particularly the vitality and creative spirit embodied in our artists and their works," said Minister Ralph Goodale. "That's why the Government of Canada is contributing to the Gala – both to mark the Centennial and support the participation of Saskatchewan's artists in the celebration."

Cameco Corporation leads the corporate donations with $100,000. Other major corporate donations include; $75,000 from SaskPower and $50,000 each from Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, Investment Saskatchewan and SaskTel.

Tickets to the Lieutenant Governor's Centennial Gala will go on sale March 5th at Ticketmaster: www.ticketmaster.ca or through Box Office: 1-800-970-SEAT(7328) or (306)-938-7800.

Additional information is available online at: www.centennialgala.com.

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For More Information, Contact:

Cynthia Block Cynthia Block Communications Phone: (306)664-2700 Cell: (306)230-8262	Margo Jones Lieutenant Governor's Centennial Gala Regina Phone: (306)522-7515 Cell: (306)535-6705
John Embury Federal Government Ottawa Phone: (613)996-3457 Cell: (613)292-5028	Jay Branch Executive CounciL Regina Phone: (306)787-6349 Cell: (306)539-3994