The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation:

Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an incredible showing by Newfoundland and Labrador talent at this weekend’s East Coast Music Awards in Halifax.

This province took home 12 awards in total. The calibre and diversity of the nominees and winners from this province is a reminder of the amazing talent, dedication, and skill that grow and flourish in our arts and cultural community.

Please join me in congratulating:

• Kellie Loder – Fans’ Choice Entertainer of the Year and Songwriter of the Year
• Mallory Johnson – Country Recording of the Year
• The Fortunate Ones – Folk Recording of the Year
• Yvette Lorraine – Inspirational/Gospel Recording of the Year
• Big Space – Jazz Recording of the Year
• Jing Xia – Roots/Traditional Recording of the Year
• Mary Beth Waldram – Artist Management of the Year
• The Ship Pub – Venue of the Year
• Cecil Johnson – Video Director of the Year
• The Flummies – Stompin’ Tom Award
• Rawlins Cross – Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award

Speaker, Newfoundland and Labrador artists are excelling locally, nationally and globally, and we are committed to creating an environment where they continue to succeed and thrive.

In 2024, we will continue to do so as we celebrate The Year of the Arts.

Special initiatives will include an Arts and Letters category recognizing the 75th anniversary of Confederation, one-time development funding for our arts community and work toward a new theatre here in St. John’s.

But most importantly, Speaker, we will celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural sector and its many social and economic contributions to this province.

Thank you.