Minister Joly Launches Public Consultations on the Memorial to the Victims of Communism-Canada, A Land of Refuge

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb. 2, 2016) - Department of Canadian Heritage

Canadians will have an opportunity to provide input on a new national memorial that will be located in downtown Ottawa. The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced that Canadians are being invited to have their say about design guidelines for the Memorial to the Victims of Communism - Canada, a Land of Refuge.

The online survey includes questions on the objectives of the memorial, visitor experience, and form and character (meaning size/scale and desired emotional reaction). A final question invites participants to simply share their thoughts. Feedback received from the public will be provided to the design teams competing for the project so they can take these ideas into account when developing their submissions.

Quick Facts

- The memorial will recognize Canada's international role as a place of refuge for people fleeing injustice and persecution.

- The online survey will be open from February 2 until February 16, 2016

- The input will be analyzed and shared with key stakeholders at a roundtable, scheduled to be held in late February or early March.

- Results and next steps for this memorial will be released shortly after the consultations and roundtable conclude.

- In December 2015, Minister Joly stated that she would seek approval from the National Capital Commission Board to build the monument at the Garden of the Provinces and Territories in Ottawa. She also committed to launching a consultation process on design considerations for the memorial.

Quotes

"Commemorative monuments play a key role in reflecting the character, identity, history and values of Canadians. I call on all Canadians to share their vision for this new national memorial, and for how we honour the millions of people who fled communist regimes to find refuge in Canada."

-The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament (Ahuntsic-Cartierville) and Minister of Canadian Heritage

"The final design of the Monument to the Victims of Communism will reflect the choices and the freely-expressed opinions of Canadians. I encourage Canadians across the country to give us their point of view by participating in the survey. I am eager to see the final concept."

-The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Member of Parliament (Ottawa Centre) and Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Associated Links

Survey - Memorial to the Victims of Communism

Memorial to the Victims of Communism

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