Mr. Speaker, I rise today with pride to extend my congratulations to Celtic Colours International Music Festival for winning the National Cultural Tourism Award at the Canadian Tourism Awards last week here in Ottawa.
The festival was recognized for its commitment to the development and promotion of authentic and innovative cultural tourism visitor experience.
Celtic Colours, which just marked its 15th anniversary, extends the tourism season in Cape Breton to the end of October, attracting thousands of visitors from every corner of the globe and generating millions for the local economy. It touches communities from Louisdale to Louisbourg, from Mabou to Marion Bridge.
Hundreds of artists from the Celtic world join our celebrated Cape Breton musicians for nine days of concerts, workshops, demonstrations and lectures.
This festival would not be possible without the legions of volunteers who give their time to drive artists around the island, cook meals and perform many other tasks.
I congratulate everyone involved in the Celtic Colours Festival on receiving this very prestigious national honour.