GATINEAU, November 29, 2009 - After completing its journey through the Atlantic provinces, the Olympic Flame is making its way through Quebec. From Rivière-du-Loup to Gatineau, the Olympic Torch Relay will be celebrated in 23 communities throughout the province. The Flame will make a stop in Montréal-a former Olympic city-for a special celebration. Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will also host a major celebration.
"The Vancouver 2010 Torch Relay is generating enthusiasm and pride among Canadians across the country," said Minister of State Lunn. "This wonderful adventure gives us the opportunity we've dreamed about to showcase the talents of our citizens, to celebrate our diversity, and to share an unforgettable moment as part of a moving celebration."
"The cross-Canada journey of the Olympic Flame is the longest within a single host country in Olympic history. This is a historic moment that will remain for a long time in our shared memory!" added Minister of State Lunn.
For more information on the Government's support for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay or the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, consult the attached backgrounder or visit www.Canada2010.gc.ca.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Office of the Honourable Gary Lunn, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1122
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
The Government of Canada, a major financial partner of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, is committed to ensuring that the Games are a success and are managed prudently. It is also striving to maximize the investment of Canadians in the Games and in the Olympic Torch Relay.
Through its contribution and involvement in the Olympic Torch Relay, the Government of Canada is giving all Canadians across the country the opportunity to experience the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games by making them "Canada's Games." After making its way across the ocean from Greece to Victoria, British Columbia, the Flame-carried by 12 000 torchbearers-will travel 45 000 kilometres from coast to coast to coast.
The Olympic Torch Relay will last 106 days and bring together the entire country as Canada prepares to welcome the 2010 Winter Games.
Did you know...?
- The Government of Canada has invested $22.5 million to ensure that more Canadians can take part in the Olympic Torch Relay all across the country in order to celebrate the arrival of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- Communities in the province of Quebec received grants from the Government of Canada to enhance their cultural programming so that Canadians in these 27 regions could take part in an unforgettable ceremony and celebrate Canada's cultural diversity and rich history.
- The Government of Canada made a financial contribution to setting up the project for the celebration communities' song. The song, written by world-renowned Canadian artist Gregory Charles, will be performed by local choirs in order to showcase local artists. This activity is a unique opportunity to rally Canadians across the country around a unique theme and to generate a sense of national pride.
- The Government of Canada will give the communities in Quebec a commemorative plaque to mark the passage of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch in these communities. The Olympic Torch Relay route will be the longest domestic torch relay route in Olympic history, a legacy that will immortalize this moment in history for Canadians and citizens of the world for generations to come.
Government of Canada contributions to celebration communities in Quebec:
