Government of Canada Celebrates Rich Diversity of Polar Region at International Polar Year Film Festival

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Sept. 28, 2009) – The Government of Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Film Institute and Library and Archives Canada, is hosting a three-day film festival at Library and Archives Canada in Ottawa, September 28-30, 2009 to celebrate International Polar Year and raise awareness of Arctic research.

“Canada has been a major contributor to International Polar Year. Working with international partners, we are helping to further our understanding of the North and the health and well-being of our northern communities,” said Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians. “The films featured in this festival allow us to see first-hand the important research being done in the Arctic and the many challenges and opportunities facing the region in the 21st century.”