All Provinces and Territories are now represented on the Centennial Flame
The updated Centennial Flame monument with the symbols of Nunavut unveiled during Canada 150 closing ceremonies
OTTAWA, Dec. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - As part of Canada 150, the Government of Canada has added the symbols of Nunavut to the Centennial Flame so that every province and territory, from coast to coast to coast, is now represented.
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada and the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada took part in the unveiling of the new Centennial Flame monument on Parliament Hill.
The Governor General and the Prime Minister were accompanied by the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage; the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs; the Honourable Nellie Taptaqut Kusugak, Commissioner of Nunavut; the Honourable Paul Quassa, Premier of Nunavut; and other federal, territorial and municipal representatives. Members of local Inuit and Algonquin Nation organizations also attended the celebratory ceremony. As a tribute to Inuit traditions, it included throat singing, drumming and traditional dancing.
The official symbols of Nunavut and the date the territory joined Confederation (1999) are now inscribed on the impressive Centennial Flame monument, alongside symbols of all Canadian provinces and territories. This project demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to acknowledging this beautiful territory's contribution to our country.
The structure, which now has 13 sides, was entirely rebuilt in order to fully reflect Canada from coast to coast to coast. Canadians are invited to come and admire this work, which is a source of pride and a special landmark for residents and visitors to the region.
Quotes
"More than 50 years ago, a flame was lit on Parliament Hill to mark the 100th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. Today, as we celebrate Canada 150, it burns for the whole country and for Nunavut, our newest territory. Our government is proud to unveil the new Centennial Flame monument, and I invite all Canadians to rediscover this iconic symbol of Canada, which now reflects every province and territory from coast to coast to coast."
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"Today more than ever, with the inclusion of Nunavut, the Centennial Flame symbolizes Canada's unity from coast to coast to coast. The Centennial Flame will always be a major attraction for all Canadians visiting our nation's capital and will continue to have a lasting legacy for future generations."
—The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement
"The Centennial Flame is a prominent symbol of our nation's unity. The motto inscribed in syllabics on the coat of arms, Nunavut, Our Strength, emphasizes the importance the land and our language play in all aspects of life in Nunavut, recognizes the important role our territory plays in the sovereignty and security of this great nation, and reinforces Canada's identity as a truly northern country."
—The Honourable Paul Quassa, Premier of Nunavut
Quick Facts
The Centennial Flame is part of a fountain that now has 13 sides with the inclusion of the official symbols of Nunavut. Located on the front lawn of the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, the structure bears the bronze shield of each of the provinces and territories, as well as their respective floral emblems and the date each joined Confederation. These elements are joined by the fountain's water, representing Canada's unity.
The monument now includes the shield and floral emblem of Nunavut and the year the territory joined Confederation (1999).
On December 31, 1966, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson launched Canada's 100th anniversary celebrations by lighting the Flame for the first time.
The Flame was originally conceived as a temporary project for the duration of the centennial year, but its popularity prompted the decision to retain the Flame in perpetuity.
The shield of Nunavut is round and features an inuksuk, a qulliq (Inuit stone lamp), five gold circles representing the arc of the sun, and the North Star. The official territorial flower is purple saxifrage, which represents the resilience and perseverance of the people of Nunavut. The territorial motto is Nunavut Sannginivut ("Nunavut, our strength").
Associated Links
Learn more about the Centennial Flame http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/citeparlementaire-parliamentaryprecinct/decouvrez-discover/terrains-grounds-eng.html
The Symbols of Nunavut http://www.assembly.nu.ca/about-legislative-assembly/coat-arms-nunavut http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1455203896312/1455204007503
Canadians Invited to Bid Farewell to Canada 150 in True Winter Style https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2017/10/canadians_invitedtobidfarewelltocanada150intruewinterstyle.html
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
For further information: (media only), please contact: Simon Ross, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
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