Harper Government Boosts Tourism by Investing in War of 1812 Commemorations across Canada

VANCOUVER, March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Important commemorations for the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812 will boost tourism and allow Canadians to celebrate their history, thanks to investments from the Government of Canada. Support for 24 organizations was announced today by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. Funding is being provided to a wide range of infrastructure and other commemoration projects in all regions of Canada.

"Canada would not exist had the American invasion not been repelled during the War of 1812, and for that reason, the War is a defining chapter in our country's history", said Minister Moore. "We invite all Canadians to learn more about this important part of our past and to take part in many of the activities and events that will pay tribute to our heroes."

Among the organizations receiving support today is Vancouver's Canada Place, for its project that will bring the heroes and stories of the War of 1812 to life through three different interactive exhibits. An outdoor component will celebrate the naval battles of the war, an interior exhibit will introduce visitors to the history and the significance of the War of 1812, and an interpretive studio equipped with interactive stations will be designed for large school visits.

"We are very grateful for the financial support from the Government of Canada and look forward to helping our visitors take part in the commemoration of this significant nation-building event," said Robin Wilson, Chair of the Board of Directors, Canada Place Corporation. "The War of 1812 Experience at Canada Place will provide our millions of visitors with the chance to experience the War of 1812 in an interactive and immersive way, and will show how our past helped shaped the world we live in today."

Other projects receiving support include an education campaign that includes the famous Heritage Minutes, produced by the Historica-Dominion Institute, as well as a reenactment of the march of the New Brunswick legendary 104^th Regiment of Foot, which saw British troops march more than 1100 kilometres from Fredericton to Kingston to thwart an American invasion during the War of 1812.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $4,807,403 through the Department of Canadian Heritage's Celebration and Commemoration Program, War of 1812 Commemoration Fund, and Canadian Studies Program. For more information about the projects, see the attached backgrounder.

BACKGROUNDER

The funding announced today includes support for the following projects:

Celebration and Commemoration Program

The Celebration and Commemoration Program provides financial support to initiatives of national significance that commemorate various aspects of Canadian history.

War of 1812 Commemoration Fund

The War of 1812 Commemoration Fund supports community-based projects to foster greater awareness and understanding among Canadians of the importance of this moment in our history. For more information about the Commemoration Fund, visit 1812.gc.ca.

Canadian Studies Program

The Canadian Studies Program supports the development and/or enhancement of learning materials, the organization of learning and developmental experiences, and the establishment and maintenance of networks that give Canadians opportunities to enhance their understanding of Canada, thus building an informed and engaged citizenry.

SOURCE Canadian Heritage