Minister Rob Nicholson Takes Part in the 2012 Brock Ball

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON, June 16, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today attended the Brock Ball at Fort George National Historic Site to commemorate the start of the War of 1812.

The Brock Ball, organized by the Niagara Historical Society Museum, aimed to recreate the meal served on the eve of the declaration of the War of 1812, when Major-General Sir Isaac Brock and the residents of Niagara learned that they were at war with their American neighbours.

"The Brock Ball marks a key event at the start of the War of 1812 and is one of the many commemorative activities that will take place over the next three years," said Minister Moore. "I invite Canadians across the country to join in the activities planned for the 200^th anniversary of the War so that they can learn more about our shared history and the people who fought for our country."

"Thanks to the Niagara Historical Society Museum, the Brock Ball enables us to gather together and mark an important anniversary for our country, as well as for our region," said Minister Nicholson. "I invite my fellow citizens to commemorate the unique history of our own part of Canada, and I invite Canadians throughout the country to come and discover the richness of our collective past."

Fort George National Historic Site played an important part in the War of 1812. It served as the headquarters for the Centre Division of the British Army, which included British regulars, local militia, Aboriginal warriors, and Runchey's corps of freed slaves. Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, "the saviour of Upper Canada," served at the fort until his death at the Battle of Queenston Heights in October 1812.

To learn more about the War, visit 1812.gc.ca.

media only:

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.)