Parliament Hill 2012 Canada Day Celebrations Feature Special Tribute to War of 1812 Heritage

OTTAWA, May 31, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, and Marie Lemay, Chief Executive Officer of the National Capital Commission (NCC), invited all Canadians to participate in the 2012 Canada Day celebrations and announced the programming for the Noon and Evening shows.

"This year, the Canada Day noon show will offer diverse performances that will capture the heart of all Canadians as we celebrate the heritage of the War of 1812 and our Canadian heroes. Their efforts tell part of the story of the Canada we know today - an independent and free country with a constitutional monarchy and its own parliamentary system," said Minister Moore. "This is an opportunity to join with your family and friends and celebrate your pride in being Canadian."

"The NCC is proud to organize the Canada Day celebrations and contribute to making the Capital the meeting place that showcases our country's rich and diverse cultural heritage," said Ms. Lemay. "On July 1, let's celebrate our history, our achievements, and our pride on the occasion of the 145^th anniversary of Canada."

Parliament Hill
On July 1, Parliament Hill will be the setting for Canada Day celebrations. Thousands of Canadians will converge on the Hill to mark their country's birthday. In the morning, they will be able to attend the Peace Tower carillon concert at 9:00 a.m., the traditional flag-raising ceremony at 9:30 a.m., and the Changing of the Guard at 10:00 p.m.

Canada Day Noon Show
The Noon Show will include the traditional flypast of CF-18s and the Snowbirds Demonstration Team. In addition to celebrating the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812, the Noon Show will highlight Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the 100^th celebration of the Grey Cup.

The show will be hosted by Beverley Mahood and Geneviève Borne and will feature top performers who will stir a feeling of patriotism and pride in Canadians:

• Jully Black, Ontario
• The Drums, Crown Forces 1812, Ontario
• Feist, Alberta
• Neverest, Ontario
• Donny Parenteau, Saskatchewan
• Roch Voisine, New Brunswick
• Simple Plan, Quebec

The Noon Show is a presentation of the Department of Canadian Heritage and the NCC. It will be broadcast live on television and various websites.

For more information about the Canada Day Noon Show, visit the Canadian Heritage website at www.pch.gc.ca/canadaday.

Canada Day Evening Show
Beginning at 7:30 p.m., Parliament Hill will host the largest Canada Day show in the country. Canadian artists from different regions of the country will give performances to celebrate the country's 145^th anniversary. Anne-Marie Withenshaw will host a show that will unite Canadians through performances by their favourite artists.

The Evening Show will showcase:

• Misstress Barbara, Québec - electronica
• Donny Parenteau, Saskatchewan - country
• Jully Black, Ontario - R&B
• Marie-Mai, Quebec - pop-rock
• Roch Voisine, New Brunswick - pop
• Simple Plan, Quebec - rock
• Feist, Alberta - independent

The Evening Show will be presented by the NCC and sponsored by Chicken Farmers of Canada, Manulife Financial^TM and President's Choice^®.

For more information on all the Canada Day celebrations in the National Capital Region and on-site access for persons with limited mobility, members of the public can call the NCC at 613-239-5000; 1-800-465-1867; 613-239-5090 (TDD/TTY); or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TDD/TTY). The public can also visit www.canadaday.gc.ca . Canada Day in the Capital is also on Twitter @canadadaycap and FACEBOOK.

(media only), contact:

Charles Cardinal
Media Relations
National Capital Commission
613-239-5227 (office)
613-851-6924 (cell)
[email protected]

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Denise LeBlanc
Media Relations
National Capital Commission 
613-239-5750 (office)
613-851-9465 (cell)
[email protected]

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]

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