Celebrate Canada Day and National Aboriginal Day in Barrie

News Release

June 20, 2014 – Barrie, Ontario – Department of Canadian Heritage

Patrick Brown, Member of Parliament (Barrie), on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced $47,500 in funding to support National Aboriginal Day and Canada Day activities in downtown Barrie on June 21 and July 1, 2014.

The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Celebrate Canada Program to the Corporation of the City of Barrie, the Downtown Barrie Business Association, and the Barrie Film Festival.

Quick Facts

The City of Barrie is receiving $13,000 for a Canada Day event that will showcase a variety of artists and musicians and feature family-focused activities and an expanded fireworks show on Barrie’s waterfront.
The Downtown Barrie Business Association is receiving $30,500 for a Canada Day event on July 1 that will include performances by local artists and activities for all ages.
The Barrie Film Festival is receiving $4,000 to celebrate the outstanding creative achievements of Aboriginal people in a day-long event on June 21, 2014. The National Aboriginal Day event will feature a 20^th anniversary screening of the Bruce McDonald film Dance Me Outside.

Quotes

“As Canadians, we have a lot to celebrate. On June 21 and July 1, I encourage you to celebrate everything that makes this the united, strong and free country we know today.”
—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

“Our Government is proud to support events that bring together thousands of people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate living in a free, democratic, bilingual and multicultural country. Let’s continue to celebrate all the things that make our country great.”
—Patrick Brown, Member of Parliament (Barrie)

“We are very grateful to once again receive support from the Government of Canada for our Canada Day festivities in Barrie. This contribution provides us with the means to offer top-notch entertainment, family activities and a beautiful fireworks show to unite our residents while celebrating our Canadian heritage”
—Jeff Lehman, Mayor, City of Barrie

“The Canada Day Celebrations in Downtown Barrie over the years have grown to become the largest regional celebration of Canada Day. Visitors, families, and friends come from all over to take in the festivities and activities that celebrate our history, heritage and diversity. The Government of Canada’s support through Canadian Heritage has been instrumental in helping facilitate the programming quality of this event and allow it to remain accessible to all.”
—Craig Stevens, Managing Director, Downtown Barrie Business Association

“The Barrie Film Festival would like to sincerely thank the Government of Canada for supporting our first Aboriginal Day event. On June 21, Barrie will be honouring the creative achievements of Aboriginal people, and the support will go a long way to helping ensure the day is a great success. It will be a fun-filled day that will bring our community together for this cultural exchange and celebration.”
—Claudine Benoit, Director, Barrie Film Festival