Canadian Heritage

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 3, 2009) - Canadian theatre plays an important role in our society, telling us stories, entertaining us, and challenging us intellectually, emotionally, and artistically. A complex array of professionals are involved in putting on the first-rate theatre productions that Canadians enjoy, including playwrights; directors; actors; set, lighting, costume and sound designers; and stage and production managers.

Our Government recognizes how much these creative individuals contribute to our society and our economy, and we are pleased to provide support for them through the programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Canada Council for the Arts, and many other federal organizations.

By recognizing the outstanding efforts of professional directors, playwrights, and designers in Canada, the Elinore and Lou Siminovitch Prize in Theatre contributes significantly to theatre in this country. Every year, a jury of peers-experts with a breadth of knowledge and experience in theatre-select a prize winner. The impressive list of nominees from which they choose speaks to the vitality of theatre in this country.

On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I want to thank the jury members for their efforts and to congratulate this year's winner, Ronnie Burkett.