Government of Canada Supports Exhibit on the First World War

HALIFAX, Oct. 10, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced funding to the Army Museum Halifax Citadel for an exhibit on the First World War. This exhibit will be on display from May 2014 to November 2018.

"Our Government is proud to contribute to projects that Canadians can reflect on and learn from for generations to come," said Minister Mackay. "I am particularly proud that this exhibit will focus on Atlantic Canada's contribution to the war effort at home and overseas."

The exhibit will provide an overview of the First World War from 1914 to 1918. It will also include displays that create awareness on the role of the First Nations, African-Canadian, Francophone, Acadian, and Jewish communities during that war.

"The commemoration of the First World War is an important milestone on the road to Canada's 150^th birthday in 2017," said Minister Glover. "This exhibit will encourage Canadians to gain a true sense of our nation's history and reaffirm pride in our achievements."

"In 2014, we will mark the centennial of the beginning of World War I. The Army Museum Halifax Citadel will commemorate this seminal event in Canadian history by presenting The Road to Vimy and Beyond," said Ken Hynes, Project Director. "This exhibition tells the story of how Nova Scotia and Canada contributed to the Allied victory, with a focus on the individual soldiers and units that took part in the Great War. With the support of the Canadian Government, we intend to honour their service and sacrifice in a way that Nova Scotians and Canadians can be proud of."

The Army Museum Halifax Citadel is a member of the Organization of Military Museums of Canada. It operates with the assistance of the Nova Scotia Museum and Parks Canada.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $223,200 through the Commemorate Canada component of the Department of Canadian Heritage's Celebration and Commemoration Program. The goal of this component is to foster a sense of belonging and feeling of pride in Canadians by supporting initiatives of national significance that commemorate important aspects of the history of Canada.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

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(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)