OTTAWA, June 7, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, and National Capital Commission (NCC) Chairman Marcel Beaudry today announced the activities and performers that will be part of the July 1st Canada Day festivities on Parliament Hill and in the National Capital Region. Minister Frulla and Mr. Beaudry invited all Canadians to mark Canada’s 138th birthday in communities across the country, and to celebrate the richness and diversity of Canadian society. “The theme for the Canada Day noon show will be Canada from East to West, which will focus on the 100th anniversaries of Alberta and Saskatchewan, where their capital cities will each present a free concert called Celebrate Canada Centennial Jam! As part of Canada Day celebrations, these concerts will recognize the contributions of the people of Alberta and Saskatchewan in building Canada,” said Minister Frulla. “This, the Year of the Veteran, is also a momentous occasion for Canadians to celebrate the sacrifices made by our veterans, who fought in the name of freedom. Canada Day is one of the best occasions to express our national pride, and to recognize a country that cherishes diversity and reinforce bonds linking Canadians with one another from east to west, “ added Minister Frulla. This morning at Major’s Hill Park, a colourful procession highlighting Canadian traditions and symbols marked the official kick-off to the activities planned for this year’s Canada Day celebrations in the National Capital Region. Guests were also given a special sneak preview of the explosive entertainment line-up to be featured during the evening show on Parliament Hill, with a vibrant collaborative performance by Quebec’s Senegalese-born hand-drummers, Frères Diouf, and Ontario’s energetic pipers, the Campbell Brothers. As the proud organizer of Canada Day celebrations in the National Capital Region since 1984, the NCC is extending a special invitation to all Canadians to participate in the festivities in the Nation’s Capital. “The NCC, its sponsors, and partners are proud to present a unique blend of free shows and family activities, and to host hundreds of thousands of festive Canadians on July 1st in Canada’s Capital Region,” said Mr. Beaudry. “Canada Day in our Capital celebrates the spirit of our nation and features multicultural, Aboriginal and ceremonial traditions on both sides of the Ottawa River.” On Canada’s 138th birthday, the region will come alive with traditional ceremonies, interactive games, exciting demonstrations, folkloric dance, traditional crafts and evening concerts. The day will culminate with breathtaking fireworks to make this July 1st a memorable day for the whole family. Events will take place at four official sites: Parliament Hill, Major’s Hill Park, Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau, and a new official site, Canada and the World Pavilion. For additional information on Canada Day festivities in Canada’s Capital Region, please contact the NCC at 1 800 465-1867 or (613) 239-5000, drop by the Capital Infocentre at 90 Wellington Street in Ottawa, or visit the Canada Day Web site at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/canadaday. For further information on the Celebrate Canada Program, visit the Web site of the Department of Canadian Heritage at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/canada. A backgrounder is attached. Information: Jean-Philippe Côté Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women (819) 997-7788 Catherine Fortin Media Relations Advisor National Capital Commission (613) 239-5530 (office) (613) 859-9565 (cellular) Myriam Brochu Chief, Media Relations Canadian Heritage (819) 997-9314 BACKGROUNDER CANADA DAY PROGRAM PARLIAMENT HILL: Celebrating Canada! The focal point for many Canadians on July 1st is Parliament Hill, where there will be pomp and pageantry, ceremonies and celebrations. The activities will begin at 9:00 a.m. with colourful traditions including the Canada Day Parade, followed by the Flag-Raising Ceremony, the Changing of the Guard ceremony, the RCMP Musical Ride and the daring exploits of the Skyhawks. Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla unveiled the line-up of artists to be featured in the Canada Day Noon Show (12:00 EST). The festivities will begin with a spectacular demonstration by the Snowbirds, followed by performances by some of the finest talents from across the country, including Kalan Porter, Corneille, Measha Brueggergosman, Feist, Mary-Jane Lamond, Lulu Hughes, Diouf, the Young Scouts, Megan Lane, Jeremy Fisher, Amanda Stott, the Mudmen, featuring the Campbell Brothers, and special performances by the Old Trout Puppet Workshop. This show will be broadcast live across the country on CBC, Radio Canada, Newsworld and RDI at noon (EST). The NCC, in collaboration with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, presents afternoon activities on Parliament Hill to celebrate the traditions, heritage and culture of the powwow and traditional Métis dance. Canada Day Evening Show The Canada Day 2005 Evening Show on Parliament Hill starts at 7:00 p.m., and features a star-studded lineup of top Canadian talent from around the country, including rocker Sam Roberts and international francophone R&B sensation Corneille from Quebec; Canadian Idol superstar, Kalan Porter and Aboriginal women’s a cappella ensemble, Asani, from Alberta; acclaimed singer-songwriter, and Ottawa hometown favourite, Kathleen Edwards; classical soprano Measha Brueggergosman, from New Brunswick; and modern-day troubadour Jeremy Fisher, from British Columbia, and an Aboriginal rock group, Eagle and Hawk, from Manitoba.The show will also feature the Frères Diouf and the Campbell Brothers. A vibrant performance by Quebecois vocal powerhouse Lulu Hughes, complete with her 10-piece band and dancers, will celebrate our veterans and their contributions to our great nation. The Canada Day Evening Show is presented in collaboration with Veterans Affairs Canada and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and sponsored by the Chicken Farmers of Canada, VIA Rail Canada and Hbc. MAJOR’S HILL PARK: Canadian Art and Folkways Major’s Hill Park will host shows, workshops and participatory activities highlighting Canadian popular traditions. The main stage presents a variety of dance performances and workshops including Scottish, Irish, Ukrainian, Aboriginal, square dancing and an African drum and dance circle. .NEW ! — Artists performing during the evening show will host Singer-Songwriter Circles to provide the public with an intimate insight into the world of singer-songwriters. A wealth of activities awaits the whole family, including woodcarving, weaving and fiddle-making by artisans from Saint-Jean-Port-Joli; Native storytelling and displays of artifacts; and the performances of some of Canada’s best known buskers.The ViaRail Tent will provide the public with an opportunity to rediscover Canada up close, and the Great Canadian Chicken BBQ, a crowd favourite for 13 years, returns with new grilling tips, cooking demonstrations and delicious chicken sandwiches. This activity is presented by the Chicken Farmers of Canada, the NCC’s National Sponsor for Canada Day. The evening concert starting at 6:00 p.m. will showcase the folk rhythms of popular Canadian artists featuring Mighty Popo, Ron Sexsmith featuring Don Kerr, Tom Wilson and Bob Lanois from Ontario; Jeremy Fisher from British Columbia; Buck 65 from Nova Scotia; Mika and, Kate and Anna McGarrigle from Quebec. JACQUES-CARTIER PARK: Look West The Hudson’s Bay Company (Hbc) returns bright and early with its second annual Hbc Run for Canada, a 10-kilometre run, 3-kilometre family walk, and a new 1-kilometre Kids’ Run starting at Jacques-Cartier Park. This year, for Canada Day the NCC is paying a special tribute to the 100th anniversaries of Alberta and Saskatchewan at Jacques-Cartier Park. A variety of entertainment, from an acrobatic cowboy comedy show, to a lumberjack show and a lasso workshop, will entertain the crowds. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover the Badlands, a unique geographic area of Western Canada with sand sculptures and formations hiding mysterious fossil treasures; to try Jumpaï, a bungee and trampoline attraction or; to be entertained by BMX and inline-skating demonstrations. Beginning at 8:00 p.m., the evening show entitled “Jours de plaines et de montagnes” pays tribute to francophone music from western Canada, featuring: Polly-Esther from Saskatchewan, Madrigaïa and Barrage from Manitoba, Pierre Sabourin from Alberta and Nouveau Stationwagon from British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nova Scotia. NEW ! OFFICIAL SITE: Canada and the World Pavilion – A Symphony of Cultures The NCC will feature a new official site on the grounds of Canada and the World Pavilion, located at 50 Sussex Drive. Festivities at the site celebrate Canadian diversity and cultural heritage through music and dance. A colourful variety of dance workshops and shows are presented, from African drum and dance circle, to Ukrainian, Lebanese, Venezuelan and Philippine dance. The public is invited to discover the ancient art of henna body painting and African hair braiding, as well as to enjoy the CHIN Picnic’s delicious foods representing a variety of cultural cuisines. The evening show, presented by CHIN Radio Ottawa, will introduce a Rhythm Explosion at 6:00 p.m. featuring Josh, with music inspired by Bhangra and Urdu; Tony Silvani with Rocco Del Sud, with a unique dance sound blending Italian melody and rhythm and, Andre Ibrahim and the Stars of Lebanon Band with a mix of popular sounds flavoured with Lebanese heritage and traditions. FujiFilm Canada Day Fireworks The 138th birthday festivities will culminate with the Fujifilm Canada Day Fireworks that will light up the sky over the Ottawa River.
