Brampton, ON – The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, announced today that the Government of Canada will provide up to $675,000 over the next three years to the Historica-Dominion Institute to support an initiative allowing Canadian Veterans to share their stories of service and sacrifice with young people across the country.
"Hearing stories first-hand from Canada’s Veterans—whether they are about peacekeeping operations and other important missions of today, or stories going back to Korea or the Second World War—makes a tremendous impact that will help inspire Canada’s youth to take an even greater interest in remembrance," said Minister Blaney. "This is why our Government continues to support communities and organizations in their efforts to honour our military heroes."
The Memory Project Speakers’ Bureau is composed of Veterans who visit classrooms and community groups to share their stories with youth. This bilingual educational program connects Veterans and students on-line and in classrooms across the country.
A total of $600,000 in funding to the Memory Project Speakers’ Bureau is provided jointly through Veterans Affairs Canada’s Community Engagement Partnership Fund and the Canadian Studies Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. An additional $75,000 is being provided this year by Canadian Heritage for the production of an educational DVD.
"Knowing our history helps us to understand where we came from and defines us as Canadians. Our Government is proud to support activities that empower young Canadians to better understand our country, its stories and its people," Minister Moore said. “With the support announced today, Canada’s Veterans can continue to share their experiences first hand, help young people connect with the past and ensure that future generations never forget.”
"For 10 years, Memory Project Veteran speakers have been sharing a legacy of service and their powerful perspective on Canadian history with students from coast to coast," says Jeremy Diamond, Director of Development and Programs with the Historica-Dominion Institute. "We hope that these stories can continue to humanize our history and teach Canada’s youth about what it was like for someone, not much older than themselves, to serve their country.”
The Community Engagement Partnership Fund provides funding to non-profit groups, educational institutions and other organizations delivering remembrance activities and events. Administered by Veterans Affairs Canada’s Canada Remembers Program, contributions are made throughout the year and encompass both national and community-based projects. Please visit veterans.gc.ca or call 1-866-522-2122 to learn more about the Community Engagement Partnership Fund or to apply for funding.
The Canadian Studies Program encourages Canadians to gain a better understanding of their country, its history, stories, people and systems of government. For more information about the program, call 1-866-811-0055 or visit the Department of Canadian Heritage Web site at www.pch.gc.ca.
