Canada 150: New Brunswickers at the Heart of the Celebrations

Government of Canada funding will support Canada 150 festivities and projects in the Fredericton area

FREDERICTON, June 10, 2017 /CNW/ - Matt DeCourcey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament (Fredericton), on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced funding for Canada Day celebrations and a series of Canada 150 community projects in the Fredericton area.

New Brunswickers and visitors will be able to celebrate Canada 150 by taking part in activities that showcase the province's linguistic and cultural diversity, including Indigenous and Acadian communities. Many of the activities encourage young people to play an active role, giving them an opportunity to get involved in our society and shape the Canada of tomorrow.

The public will be able to celebrate Canada Day in the provincial capital by participating in a variety of activities and community art projects. Acts will include English- and French-speaking performers, as well as artists from multicultural and First Nations communities.

The Government of Canada is providing $168,000 for community projects in the Fredericton area, as well as $250,000 for Canada Day celebrations in the city, for a grand total of $418,000. This funding is provided through the Canada 150 Fund, which supports local, regional and Canada-wide activities designed to help Canadians across the country take part in the celebrations.

Mr. DeCourcey also took advantage of the opportunity to officially inaugurate the 3D Canada 150 sign in Fredericton. A number of 3D Canada 150 signs are being installed in cities and tourist destinations across Canada.

Quotes

"Canada 150 presents a unique opportunity to bring communities together to celebrate what it means to be Canadian. Events will be taking place from coast to coast to coast, culminating in Canada Day. Bring friends and family to take part in the festivities during this exceptional year!"

—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"An anniversary like Canada 150 is a defining moment in our history, and we're celebrating it like we should in villages, towns and cities across the country. Our government is pleased to support numerous initiatives to get Canadians involved in this once-in-a-generation celebration."

—Matt DeCourcey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament (Fredericton)

"We are very happy to participate in marking our country's sesquicentennial by hosting this celebration sculpture sign in the Historic Garrison District, one of Fredericton's national historic sites that played a key role in the birth of the Canadian military. The many events and activities like Canada Day happening this year to celebrate the 150^th offer a wonderful opportunity for visitors and locals to celebrate our nation's history together and share our national pride. These celebrations would not have been possible without the significant financial commitment of Canadian Heritage."

—Mike O'Brien, Mayor of Fredericton

Quick Facts

The Government of Canada is providing funding of $168,000 for 4 new community projects in Fredericton and $250,000 for the Canada Day celebrations in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Several of the communities where 3D Canada 150 signs are being installed will also host memorable Canada Day festivities. Installation of the signs will be complete by June 21.

The main themes of the Government of Canada's vision for Canada 150 are diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, the environment and youth.

The Canada 150 Fund was created in April 2015 and has a total budget of $200 million.

Related Products

May 11 news release announcing the 3D Canada 150 sign project in Calgary https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2017/05/canada_150_sign_tobeunveiledincalgary.html

Associated Links

Canada 150 http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1468262573081/1468262646675

Data Tables

	Name of organization	Name of activity	Amount
1	East and Central African Association for Indigenous Rights Inc. (ECAAIR)	Common Future, Shared Dreams - Canada Beyond 150   To celebrate Canada 150, the East and Central African Association for Indigenous Rights (ECAAIR) is delivering a three-pronged project, centred on Canada's role in fostering inclusivity of culturally marginalized groups as it pivots beyond the 150 year mark.	$15,000
2	Fredericton Outdoor Summer Theatre	Calithumpians Present Canada Can: A Community Engagement Project    The Fredericton Outdoor Summer Theatre is presenting an educational theatre production coupled with a workshop process to address all four objectives for the Canada 150 program. Canada Can will bring the objectives of Canada 150 to life through engaging theatre and music in such a way as to challenge youth in schools to find their voice in addressing these issues.	$38,000
3	St. Mary's First Nation	Maliseet Treaty Day and Canada 150 Celebration    St. Mary's First Nation coordinated an event that included the transfer of land to the Maliseet People after 248 years. Under the theme of "Spirit of Peace, Friendship and Reconciliation", this celebration included a water ceremony by the river, a traditional feast, presentation of views from leadership on reconciliation and moving forward as a country. There was also an evening of art, music and recognition of Maliseet youth athletes. All Maliseet communities in New Brunswick, Maine and Quebec were invited to participate, and the celebration was opened to the general public. The event took place on June 4, 2017.	$15,000
4	MI'GMAWE'L TPLU'TAQNN INCORPORATED	Moving Toward Reconciliation in New Brunswick    Mi'gmawe'l Tplu'taqnn Incorporated (MTI) , in partnership with its member communities, is raising awareness among citizens of New Brunswick about ways to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's (TRC) Calls to Action. Through workshops and consultations, MTI will use the work prepared by the TRC to develop initiatives that will be specific to the Mi'gmaq, and to the broader community, within the Mi'gmaq territory of New Brunswick.	$100,000

SOURCE Canadian Heritage

For further information: (media only): Pierre-Olivier Herbert, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.pch.gc.ca