Pier 21 to Expand Exhibits

Pier 21, the museum on the Halifax waterfront that celebrates Nova Scotia's immigration heritage, is expanding its exhibit collections to better tell Canada's story of immigration.

Economic Development Minister Angus MacIsaac announced today, April 23, an additional $1.5 million to the $10-million capital expansion of Pier 21. The funding fulfills the province's original commitment of $3 million to the project.

"With this investment, Pier 21 will continue to expand its Canadian immigration museum in Nova Scotia," said Mr. MacIsaac. "Pier 21 is recognized around the world as a centre for celebrating Canada's rich history and diversity. This investment shows we value the important contributions of all our immigrants, here in Nova Scotia and across Canada."

The Pier 21 capital expansion project began in 2005. The museum has an ambitious plan to better tell the story of Canadian immigration and nation building, from the point of first contact to the present. The museum will expand its permanent exhibits and enhance its website with a digitized story collection, and oral and video histories so more people can discover and explore Pier 21.

"Preserving Canada's immigration stories and making them accessible today emphasizes the significance Canadians place on the role of immigration in our nation's history," said Immigration Minister Len Goucher. "The stories are a testimony to our respect for the vital role newcomers continue to have in building our communities."

Over the past three years, the museum unveiled the Scotiabank Research Centre, launched the Global Classroom, introduced the Harbourside Gallery, installed a new museum gift shop and opened the Gateway Café.

"This investment brings us a step closer to fulfulling our mandate of telling the story of all immigration to Canada," said Mr. Wadih Fares, Pier 21 Society chair. "Newcomers are essential to the growth and success of Nova Scotia and Canada, and Pier 21 celebrates their stories and contributions."

One of the most successful programs introduced at Pier 21 is the Welcome Home to Canada program. The program has welcomed 73 newcomers from 36 countries since June 2004. Welcome Home to Canada provides an opportunity for newcomers to improve their English-language skills, build confidence, increase their knowledge about Canadian workplace culture and gain valuable work experience.

With the expansion comes an opportunity to raise the profile of the museum, enhance economic spinoffs for Nova Scotia, and develop an impressive array of educational, outreach and cultural heritage interpretation displays that will help broaden the understanding of the importance of Canada's immigration story.

The province's $1.5-million contribution is provided through program funding administered by the community and rural development division of Nova Scotia Economic Development.

For more information on Pier 21 and its expansion, visit the website at www.pier21.ca .