Province Congratulates ECMA Winners

Nova Scotian artists were the big winners at the 2008 East Coast Music Awards held Sunday, Feb. 10, in Fredericton, N.B.

Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Bill Dooks attended the event, which shone a spotlight on music from Nova Scotia and other Atlantic provinces.

Nova Scotia won a total of 33 awards. Twenty-one were handed out to artists and 12 members of the industry also received awards.

"It was an excellent opportunity to showcase our unique blend of traditional and contemporary music to the world," said Mr. Dooks. "There was a tremendous feeling of pride every time one of our musicians performed or was called on stage to receive an award. I would like to congratulate this year's winners on behalf of all Nova Scotians."

The province works closely with industry partners and invests almost $1 million annually to support the growth and development of Nova Scotia's music industry.