Minister of Veterans Affairs visits North Vancouver and announces Government of Canada support for First World War Commemorative project

NORTH VANCOUVER, Sept.13, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, along with Andrew Saxton, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver, today announced Government of Canada support for the North Vancouver Museum and Archives Commission for its historical exhibit, Walter Draycott's Chronicle of the Great War. This online project will commemorate Canada's participation in the First World War through narrated daily postings from the wartime diaries of Walter Draycott, a military photographer and topographer.

Also, while in North Vancouver today, Minister Fantino will host a roundtable for Veterans and attend the 16^th annual North Shore Candlelight Tribute at the North Vancouver Cemetery. The Candlelight Tribute will feature the lighting of candles at the gravesites of more than 800 Veterans buried at the cemetery.

Earlier today, Minister Fantino also visited the George Derby Centre in Burnaby, where he was joined by Senator Yonah Martin for a tour of the residential care facility that provides War Veterans with priority access to 300 long-term care beds.

Quick Facts

• The North Vancouver Museum and Archives Commission is receiving $10,000 through Veterans Affairs Canada's Community Engagement Partnership Fund for an online project entitled Walter Draycott's Chronicle of the Great War.
• The North Shore Candlelight Tribute Committee is receiving $2,500 through Veterans Affairs Canada's Community Engagement Partnership Fund to support its 16^th annual North Shore Candlelight Tribute.
• Since 2006, the Government of Canada has provided more than $13 million, through Veterans Affairs Canada's Community Engagement Partnership Fund, to help organizations commemorate Veterans and those who died in service.
• For information on Veterans Affairs Canada's commemorative activities and programs, visit veterans.gc.ca. 

Quotes

"Our government is proud to support activities such as the Walter Draycott's Chronicle of the Great War project and the 16^th annual North Shore Candlelight Tribute, which bring communities across Canada together to remember the sacrifices of Veterans and their families. Through initiatives such as these, the lasting legacy of Canada's brave men and women will never be forgotten."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs

"Every time I visit with Veterans here at the George Derby Centre, I see the exceptional care and attention that those who call this beautiful facility home receive. Our Veterans, who have given so much of themselves to protect the freedom and democracy that we as a nation hold so dear, deserve to have facilities like this providing them and their families with the support they need."
The Honourable Yonah Martin, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate

"I commend the North Vancouver Museum and Archives Commission and the North Shore Candlelight Tribute Committee for taking the initiative to honour the service and sacrifices of Canada's Veterans. It is important that we, as Canadians, take time to remember and recognize the generations of courageous men and women who were there for our nation when we needed them most."
Andrew Saxton, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver

"We are grateful for the Government of Canada's assistance with Walter Draycott's Great War Chronicle. This support allows us to commemorate the Great War and follow Draycott's diaries through all four years of the conflict."
Janet Turner, Archivist, North Vancouver Museum & Archives

"The North Shore Candlelight Tribute Committee would like to thank the Government of Canada for its continuous support toward the Annual North Shore Candlelight Tribute. We are proud of the enduring tradition and quality of service that we have been able to provide to our community over the last 16 years."
Valerie MacGregor, North Shore Candlelight Tribute Committee Secretary and Vice President, BC/Yukon Command, Royal Canadian Legion

Associated Links

• World Wars Commemorations#ShowYouRemember
• Community Engagement Partnership Fund

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

Contacts: Barbara Mottram, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 613-996-4649; Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468