TORONTO, March 19, 2012 /CNW/ - Important commemorations for the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 will boost tourism at key battle sites in Ontario that played a crucial role in repelling the American invasion, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. Support was announced today by the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament (Halton), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. This announcement was made at the Fort York National Historic Site.
"Canada would not exist had the American invasion of 1812-1814 not been repelled; for that reason, the War of 1812 was a defining chapter in our history," said Minister Moore. "We invite all Canadians to learn more about this important part of our past and to take part in many of the activities and events that will pay tribute to our heroes."
As part of the funding announced today, the Ontario Heritage Trust will present a temporary exhibition hall at the site of the original parliament of Upper Canada, burned during the Battle of York in 1813. The City of Toronto will develop family programming activities for the Declaration of War Weekend at Fort York and presentations at the City's multiple museum properties. Other organizations receiving important support include the Historica-Dominion Institute and the Rideau Canal Museum.
"The War of 1812 is a defining chapter in our history that helped lay the foundations for Confederation," said Minister Raitt. "Our Government is proud to support projects that instill a sense of belonging and pride in being Canadian."
"We are grateful to the Government of Canada for its support of our War of 1812 Bicentennial Education Campaign," said Jeremy Diamond, Director of the Historica-Dominion Institute. "The War of 1812 represents an essential yet lesser-known chapter in Canadian history, and we are proud to bring the events, personalities, and significance of this conflict to Canadians through dynamic programming."
"Over the next two years, the Bicentennial Commemoration will revitalize our collective memory of a war that shaped our national destiny," said Michael Thompson, City of Toronto Councillor and Co-Chair of the City's Bicentennial Commemoration Steering Committee. "Equally important, it will leave behind a historic legacy for generations to come. The funding provided by Canadian Heritage is a major contribution towards the achievement of our goals."
The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $2,132,946 through Canadian Heritage's War of 1812 Commemoration Fund and Canadian Studies Program. See the attached backgrounder for information about the projects.
For more information, visit 1812.gc.ca.
BACKGROUNDER
The funding announced today includes support for the following projects:
War of 1812 Commemoration Fund
The War of 1812 Commemoration Fund supports community-based projects to foster greater awareness and understanding among Canadians of the importance of this moment in our history. For more information about the Commemoration Fund, visit 1812.gc.ca.
- The Indian Associations Coordinating Committee of Ontario Inc. (Chiefs of Ontario) - A National Celebration - First Nations Contributions during the War of 1812; $351,000
- Ontario Heritage Trust - Parliament: A War of 1812 Commemorative Centre; $300,000
- City of Toronto, Economic Development and Culture, Museum Services - Declaration - Launch Event and Toronto Museums Multi-Site War of 1812 Education Programming; $131,810
- Odyssey Showcase - War of 1812 Dramatic Educational Showcase in Context of Canadian Musical Odyssey; $30,000
- Ottawa Sui Yi Multicultural Arts Academy - Chinese-Canadian to Understand Canadian History; $16,930
- The Agnes Etherington Art Centre (Queens University) - Art, Elegance, and Hospitality: The War of 1812; $11,430
- Rideau Canal Museum - War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemorative Permanent Exhibit; $5,600
Canadian Studies Program
The Canadian Studies Program supports the development and/or enhancement of learning materials, the organization of learning and developmental experiences, and the establishment and maintenance of networks that give Canadians opportunities to enhance their understanding of Canada, thus building an informed and engaged citizenry.
- Historica-Dominion Institute - War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration Education Campaign; $719,235 (over three years)
- Royal Canadian Geographical Society - Canadian Educator Resources for the War of 1812 Bicentennial; $566,941 (over three years)
(media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]
(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)
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