Harper Government Boosts Tourism by Investing in War of 1812 Commemorations in Southern Ontario

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON, March 19, 2012 /CNW/ - Important commemorations of the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812 will boost tourism at key battle sites in Ontario that played a crucial role in repelling the American invasion, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. Support was announced today by the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. Minister Nicholson made the announcement at the Niagara Historical Society & Museum.

"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."

Funding will support various activities that commemorate the War of 1812, including a sound and light show at Fort George, Ontario, and enhancements to the Niagara Historical Society & Museum's existing War of 1812 exhibition.

"The heroic efforts of those who fought for our country during the War of 1812 tell the story of Canada as we know it today: independent and free with a constitutional monarchy and its own parliamentary system," said Minister Nicholson. "The funding announcement will help us revisit this historical period and better understand why this war was a decisive moment in Canada's history."

"We are very excited to receive support from the Government of Canada for our War of 1812 events and programs," said Sarah Maloney, Managing Director, Niagara Historical Society & Museum. "The War of 1812 is an important part of Canadian history; it planted the seeds of Confederation, which ultimately led to the establishment of the Dominion of Canada in 1867. This funding will allow us to produce and promote our unique programs, engage Canadians in our history, and help rejuvenate heritage tourism in Niagara."

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $674,349 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. See the attached backgrounder for information about the projects.

For more information, visit 1812.gc.ca.

BACKGROUNDER

The funding announced today includes support for the following projects:

• Steve Shaw Productions - "Flames of War," an 1812 Sound and Light Show; $400,000
• Niagara Catholic School Board - Passport Niagara: A Journey through 1812; $90,800
• Niagara Historical Society & Museum - 1812 Projects; $83,550
• Town of Fort Erie - Fort Erie 1812 Bicentennial Project; $50,000
• Municipality of Chatham-Kent - The Tecumseh Parkway; $49,999

(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.)