News Release
July 4, 2007
Montréal - The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for la Francophonie and Official Languages, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, a contribution of up to $15,000 to the Musée du Royal 22e Régiment in Québec City.
The funds, provided through Veterans Affairs Canada's Community Engagement Partnership Fund, were used for the performance of "Un soldat à Vimy" in various regions of the Province of Quebec and for the launch of "Barbelés et coquelicots", an annual exhibit at the museum.
"Veterans Affairs Canada is committed to passing on the torch of remembrance to our youth," said Minister Thompson. "Projects like this one provide young people with a glimpse into the life of a Canadian soldier - what it was like in the trenches, what the soldier was thinking before racing onto the battlefields at Vimy. It gives us a stronger, more defined understanding of why the stories of these soldiers must never be forgotten."
Established in 1950, the Musée du Royal 22e Régiment has a military collection that spans more than 300 years of history, from the days of New France to the present. This year, performances of "Un soldat à Vimy" in Quebec schools allowed young people to not only learn more about French-Canadian military history, but they were also able to interact with the actor and gain a better appreciation for the men and women who served Canada.
"I am delighted to have this opportunity to support the great work of the Museum in telling the remarkable story of the Royal 22e Régiment," said Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister Responsible for the Québec City Region. "The Museum is an important part of the cultural fabric of our region and I am sure that visitors will be very impressed by its programme."
"Thanks to this project, the Musée du Royal 22e Régiment will be better known. It will also allow youth and the public to gain a greater appreciation for the stories of our Veterans," said Jocelyne Milot, Director of the Musée du Royal 22e Régiment.
Veterans Affairs Canada's Community Engagement Partnership Fund provides funding to non-profit groups, educational institutions and other organizations delivering remembrance activities and events. Administered through the Canada Remembers program, contributions are made throughout the year and encompass both national and community-based events.
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Media Enquiries:
Janice Summerby Media Relations Advisor Veterans Affairs Canada (613) 992-7468
Richard Roik Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs (613) 996-4649
Rachelle Mongrain Secretary Musée du Royal 22e Régiment 418-694-2815
All Other Enquiries:information@vac-acc.gc.ca
