Harper Government Invests in War of 1812 Commemorations in Sault Ste. Marie

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON, Aug. 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Investments in heritage spaces and an educational 1812 commemoration exhibit in Sault Ste. Marie will increase tourism, create jobs and stimulate the economy. Support for the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site was announced today by Bryan Hayes, Member of Parliament (Sault Ste. Marie), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

"This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada's 150th birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous and free country we are today."

The support will go towards the construction of the Heritage Discovery Centre, which will include a new exhibition gallery, a multimedia theatre and an environmentally controlled storage space for its permanent collection, as well as improved administrative space. The investment will also support the purchase and installation of specialized equipment and the renovation of the existing Ermatinger Old Stone House. The expansion and modernisation of this historic site will allow for year-round educational programming and increased exhibition and interpretative space. The investment will also support an exhibition highlighting the significance of the site's role in the War of 1812, as well as the local war effort in the attack on Fort Michilimackinac.

"Our Government recognizes the importance and impact of investing in our culture and heritage," said Mr. Hayes. "As a result of this investment, Canadians will have increased access to this national historic site and more opportunities to commemorate historic anniversaries such as the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and Sault Ste. Marie's centennial."

"The Sault Ste. Marie Historic Sites Board is very excited to receive this funding from the Government of Canada," said Kathy Fisher, Curator, Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site. "The goal of the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site is to protect, promote, interpret and present our history and stories of national significance. This funding will allow us to enhance awareness of Canada's history and promote the legacy of the bicentennial of the War of 1812, as well as the 200^th anniversary of the Ermatinger Old Stone House."

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $1,918,000 through two programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage: $1,778,000 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund and $140,000 through the 1812 Commemoration Fund. The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and arts presentation or exhibition. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts, and to museum collections and heritage displays. The 1812 Commemoration Fund supports community-based projects to foster greater awareness and understanding among Canadians of the importance of this event in our history.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

For further information:

For more information (media only), please contact:

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788

Jillian Lum
Manager, Communications
Ontario Region
Canadian Heritage
416-973-2050
[e-mail] 

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
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(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)