Ottawa, September 26, 2010 - A project to commemorate the Second World War internment of Italian-Canadians will receive Government of Canada funding, Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Orléans, announced today on behalf of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.
"The internment of Italian-Canadians during the Second World War under the War Measures Act had a lasting impact and as we reflect on this chapter of our shared history, we are not proud," MP Galipeau said. "Government support is crucial in ensuring that historical events such as this, which are not in keeping with today's values, are remembered and the affected communities are recognized for overcoming such burdens in order to make great contributions to Canadian society."
Through the Community Historical Recognition Program, the Italian-Canadian Community Centre of the National Capital Region will receive $81,875 for a project that includes the installation of a plaque and a time capsule in Ottawa's Dante Park, as well as the creation of a booklet and website about this chapter of Canadian history.
"At the corner of Booth Street and Gladstone Avenue, Dante Park is at the heart of our community," noted Angelo Filoso, President of the Italian-Canadian Community Centre of the National Capital Region. "We are pleased that the Government of Canada is supporting this important project."
Announced in June 2006 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and formally launched in May 2008 by Minister Kenney, the CHRP is a grants and contributions program that funds community commemorative and educational projects related to Canadian historical wartime measures and immigration restrictions. For more information about the program, please visit our website.
Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CitImmCanada.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Celyeste Power
Minister's Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
