The Government of Canada supports Celebrate Canada festivities in communities across the country
REGINA, May 23, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Member of Parliament (Regina–Wascana), today announced funding totalling $400,000 for the City of Regina's project "Canada Day 2017: Celebrating Canada 150," which will take place during Celebrate Canada days 2017. This is in addition to the $300,000 already announced to fund Canada Day celebrations in Saskatoon. Minister Goodale made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
The funding will allow the City of Regina to offer major Canada Day celebrations at some of the city's most symbolic areas: Wascana Centre, City Square, Government House and Confederation Park. Residents and visitors will be treated to a range of activities, including shows featuring local and national artists, Francophone artists and artists from Indigenous communities. With funding from the Government of Canada, major celebrations will take place in Regina and 18 other urban centres across the country to celebrate Canada Day like never before.
The government financed more than 1,500 Canada-wide projects and activities as part of the Celebrate Canada program, placing communities at the heart of Canada 150 celebrations. A total of $304,840 was distributed in Saskatchewan through this program. The Government of Canada has invested an overall total of $1,004,840 for the entire province for Celebrate Canada 2017 festivities (June 21, 24, 27 and July 1) through the Celebrate Canada program and the Canada 150 Fund. Celebrate Canada festivities are an opportunity to highlight what makes communities all across the country so unique, diverse and vibrant.
Quotes
"Canada 150 is a unique opportunity for communities to celebrate all that it means to be Canadian. Celebrations will take place across the country, culminating with Canada Day. Join your friends and family and take part in these celebrations in this outstanding year!"
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"Canada Day is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate our shared values and accomplishments as Canadians. This year, Canada 150 presents us with a unique opportunity to come together to celebrate what it means to be Canadian and to start creating the Canada of the future. I look forward to seeing you all at the Canada Day festivities in Regina so we can celebrate this exceptional year together!"
—The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Member of Parliament (Regina–Wascana)
Quick Facts
Celebrate Canada is a period of four celebrations, beginning on June 21 and concluding with a major celebration for Canada Day on July 1. In honour of Canada 150, this year's edition will be the most spectacular in Canadian history.
June 21 is National Aboriginal Day: a celebration of Indigenous culture and heritage. This date was chosen because it corresponds to the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and because many Indigenous groups celebrate their culture and heritage at this time of year.
June 24, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, Fête nationale du Québec et de la Francophonie canadienne, marries the ancient rites surrounding the summer solstice—a period of light and hope—and the traditional celebration of the day of the patron saint of French Canadians.
June 27 was designated Canadian Multiculturalism Day on November 13, 2002. This day is an opportunity to appreciate the contributions of the various multicultural groups and communities to Canadian society.
On July 1, Canada Day, Canadians at home and abroad show their pride in their country's history, culture and accomplishments. This year, 19 urban centres across the country will celebrate Canada Day in a spectacular fashion: St. John's, Charlottetown, Halifax, Fredericton, Moncton, Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa–Gatineau, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Victoria, Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Iqaluit.
The 2017 Celebrate Canada period will highlight the evolution of our country from its Indigenous origins to the presence of the French and the birth of our rich Francophone heritage, and through the more recent waves of immigration that led to the development of a diverse and inclusive society.
A wide range of community projects, funded by the Canada 150 Fund, will also provide opportunities for Canadians to participate in celebrations in their communities. These projects will showcase the talent and expertise of our various communities, as well as the many facets of Canada's diversity.
Related Products
| Twelve Days of Celebrations for Our Country's Birthday |
Associated Links
| Canada 150: Come out and celebrate! |
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
(media only), please contact: 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, [email protected]
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