Island projects vie for cash from Canada 150 Fund

More than a dozen projects from P.E.I. have applied for the Canada 150 Fund, says the government official in charge of the program.

Andrew Campbell, senior executive director of Canada 150, told CBC's Mainstreet P.E.I. they have been "swamped" with applications from across the country, and are now only accepting proposals for projects that are less than $50,000.

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The $200 million fund was established to allow organizations and community groups find creative ways to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary with "optimism and pride," Campbell said.

On Wednesday, the government announced $1.5 million would go to the Confederation Centre for its Dreamcatcher project.

Common themes

Campbell wouldn't say which other Island projects applied for the fund, or if they would be accepted.

What we're looking for first is excellence in the projects and projects that really reflect Canada and reflect the communities they're happening in.- Andrew Campbell

He said there was "no firm rule" on spreading the money equitably across the country, but that is one of the considerations.

"What we're looking for first is excellence in the projects and projects that really reflect Canada and reflect the communities they're happening in," he said.

Campbell said some of the common themes including reconciliation with Indigenous people, inclusivity, diversity, and love for natural environment has been "heartening to see."

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