Harper Government Boosts Tourism by Investing in War of 1812 Commemorations in Newfoundland and Labrador

ST. JOHN'S, March 19, 2012 /CNW/ - Visitors to and residents of Newfoundland and Labrador will have the opportunity to learn more about the Royal Newfoundland Regiment's important role in the War of 1812, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. Support was announced today by Minister Peter Penashue, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, on behalf of Minister James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

"We can be proud of the significant contribution of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment during the War of 1812," said Minister Penashue. "The funding announced today will allow people of Newfoundland and Labrador to revisit this historical period and the Regiment's role, and to better understand why this war was a decisive moment in our history."

"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."

With this investment, the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Advisory Council will help recreate the important battles of the War and spread awareness throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The Council will also present awards to students related to the Regiment's role in the war.

"We are very appreciative of the financial support for our plans to commemorate the important role of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment in the War of 1812," said Ron Penney, Chair of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Advisory Council. "The funding, along with private support, will help us share this history with our own citizens, as well as other Canadians. The present-day Royal Newfoundland Regiment traces its history back to the creation of the original Regiment in 1795. We will celebrate our own regimental history and commemorate the War of 1812 and its importance to Canada's nationhood."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $99,000 to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Advisory Council through Canadian Heritage's War of 1812 Commemoration Fund. The 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, visit 1812.gc.ca.

For more information (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.)