OTTAWA, June 22, 2006 The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, and the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, invite all Canadians to take part in the Celebrate Canada! activities being held across the country from June 21 to July 1.
Celebrate Canada! is an 11-day celebration that begins on June 21 with the 10th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day. This day gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the significant achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. Activities continue with Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day on June 24, a celebration of French-Canadian culture and heritage. This is followed by Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27, when we celebrate the social, cultural, and economic benefits that diversity brings to this country. The festivities culminate with Canada Day, Canada's 139th birthday, on July 1.
"As Canadians, we recognize the importance of building an inclusive society based on the fundamental values of diversity, respect, and openness," said Minister Oda. "We should take pride in knowing that our country is a beacon of freedom, democracy, and equality across the world. Celebrate Canada! is a wonderful opportunity for Canadians to come together to express their love for this country and to celebrate our nation's accomplishments."
"National Aboriginal Day is a unique opportunity for thousands of Canadians to take part in a legacy of sharing," said Minister Prentice. "Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people alike recognize the important place that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples occupy in Canadian society and their ongoing contributions to the success of this great country."
In each province and territory, Celebrate Canada! committees, together with the Department of Canadian Heritage, will offer various events to celebrate our country's diverse cultural heritage.
On July 1, for example, Canadian artists 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 on CBC/Radio-Canada, Newsworld, and RDI. Viewers from around the world will be able to tune in to the webcast of the noontime celebration on the Department's website, as well as on the National Capital Commission and CBC/Radio-Canada websites.
To obtain more information on Celebrate Canada! programming or to contact the Celebrate Canada! committee in your province or territory, please visit the Department of Canadian Heritage website at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/canada
Information:
Robert Paterson
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Deirdra McCracken
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians
819 997-0002
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
