The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced funding that will enable more than 60 Atlantic, Quebec and Ontario communities to celebrate National Acadian Day

“For over 400 years, Acadians have played a key role in building Canada and contributing to its diversity. The vitality of the Acadian people extends beyond our borders, and their contributions in all sectors are well known across the country and around the world. I invite all Canadians to join in these events and celebrate the Acadian people.”

—The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage

“Through its language and culture, the Acadian community has exerted its influence across our country. National Acadian Day is therefore an opportunity to celebrate the French language, discover the vitality of Canada's many Francophone communities and recognize the contribution of the Acadian people to Canada’s identity.”

—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages

“Acadia gave itself a national celebration day in 1881. Today, this fund allows our communities to properly celebrate our pride and belonging to Confederation and to highlight Acadia’s unique contribution to the development of Canada. We are pleased that National Acadian Day is now celebrated as it should be every year and shared with the entire country.”

—Louise Imbeault, President, Société Nationale de l'Acadie

“On behalf of the Aberdeen Cultural Centre, I would like to express our great honour and gratitude to the Department of Canadian Heritage for selecting the Festival Acadie Rock as the flagship event for the celebration of National Acadian Day in 2020. With Acadie Road : Un road trip musical et poétique, we invite all citizens of Canada to celebrate August 15 and discover the arts and culture of our part of the country.”

—Marc Gauthier, Chair, Aberdeen Cultural Centre

“As a proud Acadian, I am pleased that the Government of Canada continues to support our Acadian communities. I am delighted to see that the great celebration of National Acadian Day, organized by the Aberdeen Cultural Centre in Moncton, will showcase Acadia and allow citizens from across the country to join in the celebration.”

—The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Member of Parliament for Moncton–Riverview–Dieppe (New Brunswick)

“Proud, courageous and resilient, the Acadian people occupy a distinct place in our country’s history and identity. I am proud that our government recognizes their immense contribution. National Acadian Day on August 15 is a wonderful opportunity for Acadians around the world to celebrate proudly our culture, our language and our heritage. Vive l'Acadie!”

—Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadie–Bathurst (New Brunswick)

“Since 1881, the Acadian people have celebrated National Acadian Day on August 15, and Madawaska–Restigouche is no exception. We live to the rhythm of festivals and celebrations. I am delighted that our government recognizes the importance of these gatherings, which contribute to the economy, allow us to celebrate with our families, and make our communities and our province a great place to live.”

—René Arseneault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska–Restigouche (New Brunswick)

“On August 15 each year, we all come together to celebrate National Acadian Day. You don’t have to venture very far from Miramichi–Grand Lake to discover the proud, rich heritage and culture of the Acadian people and take part in the various celebrations that occur across the riding.”

—Pat Finnigan, Member of Parliament for Miramichi–Grand Lake (New Brunswick)

“National Acadian Day is our day to celebrate our language, our culture and our history. As a proud Acadian, I invite all Canadians to join us in celebrating Acadia’s important contributions to Canadian identiy.”

—Darrell Samson, Member of Parliament for Sackville–Preston–Chezzetcook (Nova Scotia)

“Each year, Acadians across Cape Breton–Canso look forward to celebrating their rich culture and heritage on August 15. This year, celebrations will have to conform to the COVID-19 public health guidelines, but I have full confidence that Acadian communities in Cape Breton and northeast Nova Scotia will still find unique and innovative ways to make National Acadian Day 2020 a special one.”

—Mike Kelloway, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton–Canso (Nova Scotia)

“After such a challenging winter and spring I am happy to support the Acadian community of Cumberland–Colchester as they celebrate National Acadian Day. Their language and culture is a vital part of the multicultural quilt that is Nova Scotia. I am proud to wave their flag and have a beautiful hand-made artwork hanging in my home office which was a gift from the Truro community after I directed an original musical for the École Acadienne de Truro last year.”

—Lenore Zann, Member of Parliament for Cumberland–Colchester (Nova Scotia)

“On National Acadian Day, we recognize the achievements and contributions of Acadians to Canada as a fundamental part of our cultural mosaic. National Acadian Day is an excellent day to explore and celebrate the rich history of these peoples, and their place in our great country. Acadian history is integral to Canadian history, and we should all take the time to learn more about everyone with long ties to this land.”

—The Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque (Prince Edward Island)

• The Celebration and Commemoration Program provides funding for activities to celebrate and promote National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24), Canadian Multiculturalism Day (June 27) and Canada Day (July 1). Since 2019, the program has also supported activities to celebrate and promote National Acadian Day on August 15. Every year, more than 10 million Canadians take part in thousands of events across the country supported by this program.

• Celebrate Canada ensures access to celebrations in every region of Canada, giving all Canadians opportunities to appreciate Canada’s cultural, ethnic, linguistic and geographic diversity.

• August 15 was designated as the Acadian national holiday at the first National Acadian Convention, which was held in Memramcook, New Brunswick, in 1881. This date is known today as National Acadian Day.

• In 2003, the Government of Canada passed the National Acadian Day Act.

• National Acadian Day is traditionally celebrated on August 15 with major concerts, community celebrations and tintamarres.

Related products

• Backgrounder: The Government of Canada Helps Celebrate National Acadian Day 2020

Associated links

• Canadian Heritage – Major events and celebrations
• Société nationale de l’Acadie (French only)
• Aberdeen Cultural Centre
• Festival Acadie Rock (French only)

For more information (media only), please contact:

Camille Gagné-Raynauld
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
camille.gagne@canada.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca