Statement by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, on the Occasion of National Tartan Day

OTTAWA, April 6, 2012 /CNW/ - Today is National Tartan Day, which coincides with the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish declaration of independence. This is an ideal opportunity to recognize the contribution that Canadians of Scottish descent have made to our society. Besides helping to build dynamic communities from Nova Scotia to British Columbia, they have enriched our culture with important symbols such as the tartan.

We celebrate all tartans on this day, particularly the Maple Leaf Tartan. Created in 1964 by David Weiser in anticipation of Canada's centennial in 1967 and recognized as Canada's official tartan in 2011, the Maple Leaf Tartan is worn by the Second Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment Pipes and Drums. We can all be proud of this fabric, which is now one of Canada's official symbols.

As Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, I invite all Canadians to take time on National Tartan Day to learn more about the Maple Leaf Tartan and to celebrate the contributions that Canadians of Scottish heritage have made to our country.

(media only), please contact:

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