HALIFAX, March 19, 2012 /CNW/ - Residents of Nova Scotia and tourists from outside the province will be able to take part in important commemorations for the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. Support was announced today by the Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment and Member of Parliament (Thornhill), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. Minister Kent made the announcement at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
"Canada would not exist had the American invasion of 1812-1814 not been repelled, and 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 KA'NATA Foundation and the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo will both incorporate 1812 themes into their programs this year. The Army Museum Halifax Citadel will create a special exhibit on the War of 1812 that will provide an Atlantic Canadian perspective on the conflict. Combined, these projects expect to attract more than 100,000 visitors to the Halifax region this year.
"The War of 1812 is a defining chapter in our history that helped lay the foundations for Confederation," said Minister Kent. "The funding announced today will boost tourism in the region and help all Canadians better understand why this war was a decisive moment in our history."
"Many Canadians are barely aware of the War of 1812, and certainly not of its significance. The time is right to tell this story," said Brookes Diamond, President of the KA'NATA Foundation. "We are looking forward to taking it across the country with our production of 18 Minutes 12 Seconds."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $287,500 to The KA'NATA Foundation, $148,000 to the Army Museum Halifax Citadel, and $49,999 to the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, for a total of $485,499. This support was provided 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.
(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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