January 23, 2013
Swift Current, SK – The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and David Anderson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and for the Canadian Wheat Board and Member of Parliament for Cypress Hills–Grasslands, today announced up to $22,575 for a project in Swift Current to honour Veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This funding, provided through Veterans Affairs Canada’s Community War Memorial Program, will support the construction of the Community Métis Veterans Monument.
"Building new war memorials inspires a renewed sense of remembrance and pride in a community," said Minister Blaney. "This is why our Government is proud to support projects that help honour the sacrifices of local heroes like the Veterans of Lac Pelletier and surrounding communities."
"Our Government continuously looks for ways to partner with communities in support of commemorative events and monuments which contribute to our national heritage," said Parliamentary Secretary Anderson. "Our cenotaphs and monuments are powerful reminders of the sacrifices that generations of Canadians have made for the peace and freedom we enjoy today."
This monument will commemorate Veterans who served our country. More specifically, the Community Métis Veterans Monument will honour 16 Veterans who grew up around Lac Pelletier Valley and served in the First World War, Second World War or Korean War.
"The Prairie Dog Métis Local 123 Association Inc. is pleased to receive support from Veterans Affairs Canada for the construction of the Community Métis Veterans Monument," said Cecile Blanke, President, Prairie Dog Métis Local 123 Association Inc.
Through the Community War Memorial Program, the Government of Canada is fulfilling its commitment to further commemorate the courage and sacrifices of Veterans and men and women in uniform by partnering with community groups and local organizations to build new cenotaphs and monuments.
Applications to the Community War Memorial Program can be submitted at any time during the year and are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Interested non-profit groups and other organizations may be eligible for funding to build new memorials or to make major additions to existing ones. For more information, please visit veterans.gc.ca.
- 30 -
Media Enquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
Phone: 613-992-7468
Jean-Christophe de le Rue
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
Phone: 613-996-4649
All Other Enquiries:
information@vac-acc.gc.ca
