September 15, 2006

Manitoba’s reputation as a supplier of high-quality and unique food products makes the province a natural choice for this weekend’s Cuisine Canada National Culinary Conference, Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Rosann Wowchuk announced today.

“We are pleased to support this high-profile event, welcoming the delegates and guests who include Canada’s leading food professionals,” said Wowchuk. “The outstanding number of fine ethnic restaurants and food-related events proves how much Manitobans enjoy celebrating our cultural and culinary diversity, and we are eager to share all our province has to offer.”

The provincial government is sponsoring this year’s keynote speaker, international food science writer Harold McGee, who will speak on science in the kitchen of the future. Bon Appétit magazine named McGee food writer of the year in 2005.

The minister noted that conference delegates will be treated to Manitoba specialties like bison, elk, freshwater caviar, organic pasta products and a selection of fine Manitoba-produced wines, as well as locally-produced vegetables and wild and domestic fruits.

A Cuisine Canada Marketplace, incorporated into the conference, provides Manitoba’s growers, producers and manufacturers an opportunity to showcase Manitoba’s food and agriculture products while the farm, food and industry tours give a first hand look at Manitoba’s best to this group of national and international culinary writers, chefs and food professionals. This event is at the MTS Centre and is open to the public.

The 2006 conference titled The Future of Food in Canada – Cultural and Culinary Diversity will be held from tomorrow until Sept. 19 at the Delta Winnipeg. More than 120 Cuisine Canada members are expected to attend.

Information on the conference is available online at http://www.cuisinecanadaconference.com for conference information and http://www.manitobafoodandwineshow.com for information on the Manitoba food show.

- 30 -