Major Canadian Milestones and Achievements Commemorated and Celebrated in 2014

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 28, 2014) - Department of Canadian Heritage

This year, the Government of Canada marked major military and historic milestones, honoured Canadian heroes, and ensured that Canadians across the country have access to our rich culture and heritage today and in the future with ongoing support for museums, arts and cultural industries.

The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, characterized 2014 as a special year when Canada and the world paused to mark monumental new discoveries and recognize very special anniversaries. From the discovery of one of the lost Franklin ships to the centennial of the First World War, Canadians were united through our shared history and heritage. Several events throughout the year honoured those who made contributions-both military and non-military-to the Canada we know today, including Aboriginal people, women and Canadians of all backgrounds. As we approach the 150^th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, anniversaries such as the start of the World Wars, the War of 1812, the Charlottetown and Québec Conferences, and the Franklin Expedition connect us and define who we are as Canadians.

Quick Facts - 2014 Key Highlights

• January 13 - At the Canadian War Museum, the Government announced its plans to commemorate the World Wars. The commemorative period will run from 2014 to 2020 and include awareness activities, events and ceremonies to mark significant milestones during the wars, as well as projects that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
• February 13 - The Government of Canada permanently renewed arts and culture funding-$122.8 million-to be delivered through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Canada Council for the Arts.
• May 12 - The design team for the new National Holocaust Monument was announced.
• May 18 to 21 - The Royal Tour of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall had them take part in activities honouring our Canadian military and marking Canadian achievements in conservation, education, arts and culture, as well as activities highlighting the 150^th anniversary of the Charlottetown and Québec Conferences.
• June 5 to 8 - Activities were held to commemorate the 70^th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
• July 1 - The Audiovisual Coproduction Treaty between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of India came into force. The Treaty will allow producers to combine their creative, technical and financial resources to carry out audiovisual coproductions that will stimulate the economy and enhance knowledge sharing between the two countries.
• August 4 - Commemorations took place to mark the centennial of the start of the First World War.
• September 6 - A commemoration marked the 200^th anniversary of Sir George-Etienne Cartier's birth.
• September 10 - Commemorations were held to mark the 75^th anniversary of the start of the Second World War.
• September and October - Canada marked the 150^th anniversary of the Charlottetown and Québec Conferences, which paved the way to Confederation.
• September 18, 2014 - The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the first museum in the world solely dedicated to the evolution, celebration and future of human rights, opened in Winnipeg.
• September 30 - Parks Canada confirmed the discovery of HMS Erebus, one of the vessels that sank in the Franklin Expedition. The ship's bell was retrieved and is undergoing conservation treatment; this is a crowning achievement for a successful 2014 search that captivated Canadians and the entire world.
• October 17 - The first-ever Government of Canada History Awards were presented. The awards honour exceptional teachers and students for their work marking important moments in Canadian History.
• November 6 - The War of 1812 Monument was inaugurated on Parliament Hill. This capped off a two-year period of commemorative and historical activities that profiled the "Fight for Canada."
• November 10 and 11 - The Royal Tour of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence saw them participate in the rededication of the National War Memorial.
• November 17 - The Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation received $80.5 million to modernize and refurbish the Canada Science and Technology Museum building and upgrade the exhibit space.
• December 5 - The Government of Canada issued a challenge to all Canadian post-secondary students: be part of "History in the Making" and design a logo for the 150^th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.
• December 10 - The Government of Canada announced an investment of $110.5 million for the architectural renewal of the National Arts Centre.
• December 11 - The design team for the National Memorial to Victims of Communism was announced.

Quote

"As we approach the end of the year, let us reflect on important milestones and achievements we have commemorated or celebrated in 2014, such as the anniversaries of the start of the First and Second World Wars, the War of 1812, the Charlottetown and Québec conferences, and the Franklin Expedition. These events connect us and define who we are as Canadians. In 2015, significant milestones will include the bicentennial of the birth of Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, and the 50^th anniversary of our National Flag. As we prepare to celebrate Canada's 150^th anniversary in 2017, I invite all Canadians to commemorate the events, celebrate the accomplishments and honour the people who helped shape who we are today-a country that is strong, proud and free."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

Associated Links

Canada.ca/150

Department of Canadian Heritage

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