Kicking Off the Celebrations for the 150th Anniversary of Confederation in Canada's Capital Region

GATINEAU, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Oct. 20, 2016) - Department of Canadian Heritage

As part of the 150^th anniversary of Confederation, Canadian Heritage, Ottawa 2017 and Gatineau 2017 have joined forces to turn Canada's Capital Region into the centre of spectacular activities.

On behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament (Hull-Aylmer), and David McGuinty, Member of Parliament (Ottawa South), accompanied by His Worship Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa, and Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin, Mayor of Gatineau, today unveiled the lineup of activities that will take place in Canada's Capital Region on December 31, 2016.

An array of activities is planned for the occasion, including a pyromusical fireworks show that promises to be spectacular. The soundtrack accompanying the fireworks will trace the history of our country through different eras of the last 150 years.

In addition to the fireworks show, festivities will take place on Parliament Hill as well-known Canadian artists put on a large-scale performance. The headliners will be announced in the coming weeks.

The 150^th anniversary of Confederation is a perfect opportunity to bring together all Canadians to participate in memorable activities. Be a part of this historic moment on December 31.

Quotes

"On the eve of a year when Canadians across the country will celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Confederation, our capital will be a gathering place for commemoration and celebration. We invite Canadians to visit the Ottawa-Gatineau region on December 31, and throughout 2017, to mark the 150^th anniversary of Confederation."

- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"We're excited to mark the beginning of a year of monumental celebrations in Ottawa for Canada's 150^th birthday celebrations with a New Year's Eve event-a night to reflect on our past and look forward to the future. We invite all Canadians to visit their second home, our capital, on December 31 and throughout 2017, to enjoy an experience like never before."

- His Worship Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa

"Gatineau and Ottawa are excited for of Canada's 150^th birthday celebrations. We're ready to welcome Canada and the world. An extraordinary lineup has been organized on both sides of the river, the population is ready, and we look forward to kicking off the celebrations with a bang on December 31!"

- Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin, Mayor of Gatineau

Quick Facts

- Gatineau 2017, in collaboration with Canadian Heritage and the Canadian Museum of History, invites Canadians to ring in the New Year in the Museum's Grand Hall to the beat of electro-trad music with Swing and DJ Champion et ses G-Strings. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Learn more at www.gatineau2017.ca.

- Ottawa 2017 will host a family-friendly celebration at 6 p.m. that will include the lighting of a commemorative cauldron at Ottawa City Hall. As a nod to the friendship flame of 1967, hundreds of Ottawa-area students will form a human chain that will carry the flame through the streets of downtown Ottawa to Parliament Hill.

- Throughout Canada, memorable events celebrating the 150^th anniversary of Confederation will be held in 18 other urban centres on New Year's Eve: St. John's, Charlottetown, Halifax, Fredericton, Moncton, Québec City, Montréal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Victoria, Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Iqaluit.

- Stay connected by checking our website at www.canada.ca/150 and following our social media accounts for updates.

Associated Links

Canada 150

www.ottawa2017.ca

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