Harper Government Invites Youth to Take Part in the 2012 Canada Day Poster Challenge

OTTAWA, Jan. 4, 2012 /CNW/ - 1812: The Fight for Canada is the theme of the 2012 Canada Day Poster Challenge, which was launched today by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

This national competition invites young Canadians aged 5 to 18 to design an original poster that illustrates how the people, places, and events of the past have shaped our country.

"The Poster Challenge is a wonderful opportunity for our young people to express what Canada means to them and to share their creativity with their peers across the country," said Minister Moore. "This year, participants are invited to create a poster showing how people from different backgrounds and regions joined forces to fight for Canada during the War of 1812."

A single finalist from all age categories combined will be chosen in each province and territory. A national winner will then be selected from the 13 provincial and territorial finalists. The winning design will become the official poster of the 2012 Celebrate Canada festivities throughout the country.

From June to September 2012, the artwork of the 13 provincial and territorial finalists will be on display at the Canadian Children's Museum, which is part of the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec.

Prizes will also be presented to the 52 winners, by age category, by the 2012 Poster Challenge sponsors: the Parks Canada Agency, the Trans Canada Trail, Encounters with Canada, Canada Post, the Royal Canadian Mint, and the Canadian Museum of Civilization.

Entry rules and additional resources can be found on the Poster Challenge website at www.posterchallenge.pch.gc.ca.

The deadline for entering the contest is March 9, 2012.

For more details, visit the competition website at www.posterchallenge.pch.gc.ca or contact the Canadian Heritage Enquiry Centre at 1-866-811-0055 or [email protected].

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)

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