Mr. Speaker, Atlantic Canada's best and brightest artists were recognized and celebrated on Sunday at the 2014 East Coast Music Awards held in Charlottetown.
As a Maritimer, I am very proud of our exceptional musicians. From Dave Gunning to the Barra MacNeils and Jenn Grant, their amazing talent is not only recognized and renowned in our neck of the woods, but also from coast to coast to coast.
I would like to remind the House that in budget 2014, our government committed to ongoing funding for Canadian music through the $24.6 million Canada music fund. Each year, on average, the fund supports the production of more than 400 albums and 1,100 marketing, touring, and music showcase projects.
On behalf of the government, I would like to congratulate all of the nominees, winners, and the many industry professionals involved in bringing our amazing east coast music talent to the forefront of Canada's music industry.