The 150th Anniversary of Confederation in 2017: It's Happening Right Here!

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - March 15, 2016) - Department of Canadian Heritage

During an event today at the Discovery Centre in Halifax, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced the Government of Canada's vision for the 150^th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. She also announced funding for two pan-Canadian signature projects as part of the Canada 150 Fund.

According to Minister Joly, the 150^th anniversary of Confederation gives the Government of Canada an opportunity to engage and inspire Canadians in their communities. It is also a time to come together to celebrate our shared values, our Canadian identity, our achievements, our majestic environment and our place in the world.

The vision seeks to bring people together and inspire them. It will feature themes focusing on diversity and inclusiveness, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, youth and the environment.

To make 2017 a memorable year of celebrations for all Canadians, Minister Joly today confirmed that the Government of Canada will continue to invest in national, regional and local projects to increase Canadians' awareness and invite them to participate in the many events taking place throughout the year.

Minister Joly took the opportunity to announce funding of nearly $6 million for the project Innovation 150. She was accompanied by Greg Dick, Director of Educational Outreach at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.

This investment will let Innovation 150 present a travelling exhibition that will highlight Canadian thinkers, science and innovation. The exhibition, which includes interactive activities, will travel to more than 80 communities all across the country.
Minister Joly also announced funding of $700,000 for Experiences Canada for its project Canada 150+Me. Joining her was Deborah Morrison, the organization's President and CEO.

Canada 150+Me will make it possible to bring together some of Canada's most passionate youth through cultural exchanges. It will allow them to acquire skills and gain confidence, which will help them become engaged citizens.

During today's event, Dr. Arthur McDonald, eminent Canadian physicist and 2015 Nobel Laureate, joined Minister Joly as an ambassador to encourage Canadians to get involved in the 150^th anniversary celebrations in their own communities.

Quick Facts

Program for the 150^th anniversary of Confederation

• The main themes of the Government of Canada's vision for the 150^th anniversary of Confederation are diversity and inclusiveness, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, the environment and youth.

• The Canada 150 Fund was established in April 2015. It has an overall budget of $210 million.

• Through the Fund, the Government of Canada will continue to make strategic investments in activities that support the vision of the 150^th anniversary and encourage Canadians to participate directly.

• Innovation 150-under the direction of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and in partnership with Actua, the Institute for Quantum Computing and the Canadian Association of Science Centres-aims to inspire youth, families and communities from coast to coast to coast by highlighting our country's innovative past and the enormous possibilities offered by science, now and in the future.

• Experiences Canada is a registered charity organization that offers experiential learning activities in Canada.

Quotes

"Here are two development projects for our leaders and scientists of tomorrow. In choosing to take part in the pan-Canadian signature projects, young people will have the opportunity to meet their peers living in other parts of the country. They will also be able to develop their entrepreneurial spirit, their critical thinking and their creativity. Let's make the most of this important moment in our history to encourage them to develop relationships within their communities and develop their scientific talents."

-The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"One of Canada's greatest resources has always been the ingenuity of its people. Innovation and the pursuit of opportunities have always characterized us, from Indigenous Peoples' deeply rooted knowledge of this vast and beautiful landscape to today's increasingly urban, diverse and progressive society. Through Innovation 150, we will honour all the dreamers and doers that have made Canada innovative. We will also encourage future innovators-especially youth-to pursue ideas, inventions and initiatives which will solve serious problems and open new pathways for the world."

-Neil Turok, Director, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics

"In as much as Canada's Centennial was defined by one generation of Canadians, our goal is to ensure Canada's 150^th belongs to the younger generation. We want them to honour the past, but also engage in the present and think about the future. We'll ask them to tell us about the greatest challenges or opportunities facing Canada according to their generation, using whatever medium they choose, and then group them together with other like-minded people for an unforgettable week of community action, mentorship and inspiration about the causes they care most about."

-Deborah Morrison, President and CEO, Experiences Canada

Associated Links

Canada 150

Community Infrastructure Program

Canada 150 logo and typeface

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Backgrounder

The 150^th Anniversary of Confederation in 2017

Our strength: our diversity. Our pride: our sense of the future.

Canadians throughout the country, as well as those living abroad, will proudly take part in the celebrations marking the 150^th anniversary of Confederation. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all that it means to be Canadian. The Government of Canada is proud to be part of this anniversary of national and historic importance. It plans to:

• promote and celebrate our Canadian identity; our ethnic, linguistic, cultural and regional diversity; and our rich history and heritage;
• encourage Canadians to invest in our country's future by bringing about significant changes and leaving a lasting legacy for coming generations;
• create opportunities for Canadians to participate and celebrate together our shared values, our Canadian identity, our achievements, our majestic environment and our place in the world; and
• maximize government investments and generate economic benefits for the country's communities.

The main themes of the Government of Canada's vision for the 150^th anniversary of Confederation are:

• Diversity and inclusion - We want to continue building a welcoming Canada where there is a place for everyone, a Canada where everyone can reach his or her full potential.
• Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples - We want to support reconciliation efforts with Indigenous Peoples and make use of the 150^th anniversary to reaffirm our intent to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
• Youth - We want to continue to engage young people and give them the means to contribute to our society, because they are the ones who will shape tomorrow's Canada.
• Environment - We want to be the custodians of our environment, because it is a source of our country's wealth and pride. We want to bring Canadians closer to nature in order to strengthen their environmental awareness.

The Canada 150 Fund

• The Canada 150 Fund was established in April 2015. It has an overall budget of $210 million.

The Canada 150 logo and typeface

• The Canada 150 logo and the Canada 150 typeface are available to all Canadians, as well as to organizations and businesses that would like to use them on their products.

Federal partners

Federal departments and agencies will prepare activities to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Confederation under their own programs-such as issuing commemorative coins or postage stamps, or other activities to be announced in the coming months.

In 2017, we will commemorate several other important events that will add to the celebration of the 150^th anniversary of Confederation. These include the centennial of the battles of Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele; the 125^th anniversary of the Stanley Cup; the centennial of the National Hockey League; the 75^th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid; and the 50^th anniversary of the Canada Games.