Minister Moore Launches the 2011 Canada Day Poster Challenge

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 11, 2011) - "Canada: A proud past, a bright future!" is the theme for the 2011 Canada Day Poster Challenge, which was launched today by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Young Canadians aged 5 to 18 are invited to express what Canada means to them by creating an original poster design on an exciting theme.

"Young people will draw inspiration from the theme 'Canada: A proud past, a bright future!' to show how they think past events have paved the way for the Canada of today and tomorrow," said Minister Moore. "The 2011 Canada Day Poster Challenge is an excellent opportunity for them to express their creativity and show their pride in being Canadian."

"In honour of Parks Canada's centennial, we are very pleased to support this competition by offering a truly Canadian experience," said the Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada. "Working with Brewster Travel Canada, Parks Canada is offering the 13 provincial and territorial finalists a trip to Banff and Jasper National Parks. These places of inspiring discovery will offer the finalists an extraordinary opportunity to connect with Canada's natural and cultural heritage."

A single finalist from all age categories combined will be chosen in each province and territory. A national winner will then be selected from the 13 provincial and territorial finalists. The winning design will become the official poster of the 2011 Celebrate Canada festivities throughout the country.

From June to September 2011, the artwork of the 13 provincial and territorial finalists will be on display at the Canadian Children's Museum, which is part of the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec.

Prizes will also be presented to the 52 winners, by age category, by the 2011 Poster Challenge sponsors: the Trans Canada Trail, the Historica-Dominion Institute, Canada Post, and the Royal Canadian Mint.

Entry rules and additional resources can be found on the Poster Challenge website at www.posterchallenge.pch.gc.ca. A printable version of this publication is available at the same address.

The deadline for entering the contest is March 31, 2011.

For more details, visit the competition website at www.posterchallenge.pch.gc.ca, or contact the Canadian Heritage Enquiry Centre at 1-866-811-0055 or info@pch.gc.ca.

This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.