Minister Shelly Glover to Launch Hundreds of Thousands of Christmas Lights in Canada's Capital Region

OTTAWA, Dec. 4, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, in collaboration with Manulife Financial, is pleased to invite members of the public to the launch of the 29^th edition of the Christmas Lights Across Canada program.

The official illumination ceremony will take place on Thursday, December 5, 2013 at 6 p.m. on Parliament Hill and will be hosted by two inspirational Canadians: Benoit Huot, Paralympic gold medalist, and Jean-Luc Brassard, Olympic gold medalist and Assistant Chef de Mission of the Canadian Olympic Team for Sochi 2014.

"As we celebrate the holidays, let's also celebrate the men and women who have helped make Canada the great country it is today," said Minister Glover.

Minister Glover will be joined by a representative from Manulife Financial, the exclusive sponsor for Christmas Lights Across Canada, and special guests as they officially switch on the more than 350,000 multicoloured lights that will illuminate the Capital Region every evening from 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., until January 7, 2014.

"Manulife is proud to be the sponsor of Christmas Lights Across Canada," said Donald Guloien, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Financial. "We have been serving the financial needs of Canadians for more than 125 years, and we are pleased once again to join them in celebrating the holiday season."

An important national component of Christmas Lights Across Canada is the sharing of holiday wishes from all 13 premiers at the illumination ceremony, and many provincial and territorial capitals also hold their own lighting ceremonies.

"Our Government is proud to work in collaboration with all the provinces and territories to bring their holiday messages to Canadians, connecting us and bringing us closer together as a country," added Minister Glover. "Christmas Lights Across Canada encourages people to take a break from the day-to-day hustle and bustle, and to enjoy their surroundings and each other."

Adding to the festive mood of the evening, the celebration will include performances by the Dunlop Public School Choir and Big Soul Project, a community gospel and groove choir.

Sign language interpreters will provide simultaneous interpretation of the event in the National Capital Region in American Sign Language and Quebec Sign Language. An induction loop system for persons with hearing impairment will also be available on-site.

The ceremony will be broadcast live on Rogers TV, Cable 22, in Ottawa, and an edited version will be re-broadcast throughout the holiday season on community cable stations across Canada.

Those in attendance are invited to indulge in some favourite winter treats: BeaverTails® pastries, hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows (free while supplies last).

For more information on the Christmas Lights Across Canada program, members of the public can contact 613-239-5000, 1-800-465-1867 or visit www.canadascapital.gc.ca. TTY (text telephone for the hearing impaired) is available at: 613-239-5090 or toll-free 1-866-661-3530.

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SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

(media only), please contact:

Marisa Monnin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
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[email protected]

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