OTTAWA, June 21, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla invites all Canadians to take part in the activities to be held across the country, from June 21 to July 1, as part of Celebrate Canada!Based on the theme "Canada from East to West," the festivities begin today, June 21, with National Aboriginal Day. This day gives Canadians the opportunity to experience the diversity of Inuit, Métis, and First Nations communities and to recognize the value of their contribution to Canadian society. Events continue with Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day on June 24, an opportunity for Francophones to express their pride and to promote the culture and heritage of Canada's Francophone communities. Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27 seeks to promote Canadian diversity and the achievements of Canada's 200 ethnocultural communities. The celebrations peak on July 1 with Canada Day."Celebrate Canada! is a perfect opportunity for us to come together and acknowledge how incredibly lucky we are to live in Canada - a diverse country and a welcoming land that is unique in the world. Our culture, history, and heritage are remarkable and should be celebrated," said Minister Frulla. "I invite Canadians across the country to take part in the many events held during these 11 days of festivities. Let's be proud of being Canadian and let's celebrate, from east to west, our country's many treasures!"In each province and territory, a Celebrate Canada Committee made up of volunteers has been established to promote Canadian values and to organize, together with the Department of Canadian Heritage, events that reflect Canada's cultural diversity. This year, Celebrate Canada! is celebrating the centennials of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Organizers plan to commemorate the gradual shaping of Canada by the Aboriginal peoples and the first European explorers, as reflected in this year's theme. As part of the festivities, two free concerts called Celebrate Canada Centennial Jam will be staged in Edmonton and in Regina. On July 1, artists from various parts of Canada will perform on Parliament Hill in Ottawa during the noon show, organized by the Department of Canadian Heritage. This show will be broadcast live across the country and across the francophonie world, on CBC/Radio-Canada, NewsWorld, RDI and TV5.For more information on Celebrate Canada! programming or to contact the Celebrate Canada Committees, visit the Department of Canadian Heritage Web site at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/canada.Information:Jean-François Del TorchioPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788Myriam BrochuChief, Media Relations Canadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
