By Marie Williams-Gagnon
Local Members of Parliament Bev Shipley and Dave Van Kesteren, on behalf of the Hon. James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages announced support for the Friends of the Tecumseh Monument in commemoration of the War of 1812. This War helped establish the nation’s path toward becoming an independent and free country, united under the Crown with a respect for linguistic and ethnic diversity.
“The heroic efforts of those who fought for the country in the War of 1812 tell the story of the Canada we know today: an independent and free country with a constitutional monarchy and its own distinct parliamentary system,” said Moore. “The 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 is an opportunity for all of us to take pride in our history and we look forward to taking part in the events and activities that will mark this important anniversary for Canada.”
The Friends of the Tecumseh Monument will be able to further develop the monument’s current site, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. This funding will enable the Friends of the Tecumseh Monument to explore new opportunities to further develop the Tecumseh Monument and an outdoor eco-park.
“Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in our history and to honour heroes that defended our country in a time of crisis,” said Van Kesteren.
“By supporting projects like these, our government is delivering on its commitment to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 – a defining moment in our country’s history that in many ways has shaped Canada into the country it is today,” added Shipley.
Over the next four years, the Government will invest to increase Canadians’ awareness of this defining moment in our history. This will include support for:
• A pan-Canadian educational campaign focused on the importance of the War of 1812 to Canada’s history;
• Support for up to 100 historical re-enactments, commemorations, and local events;
• A dedicated War of 1812 Monument in Canada’s National Capital Region;
• Interactive tours, exhibits, and improvements to national historic sites across the country; and investments in infrastructure at key 1812 battle sites, such as Fort Mississauga and Fort York, Ontario; and celebrating and honouring the links that many of our current militia regiments in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada have to the War of 1812.
The federal government provided funding in 2010–2011 to the Friends of the Tecumseh Monument through the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Celebration and Commemoration Program. The program’s recently announced 1812 Commemoration provides funding for celebrations and commemorations of national significance that promote a greater awareness and understanding among Canadians of the importance of the War of 1812 in the country’s history.
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Marie Williams-Gagnon
Editor
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