Our Communities at the Heart of Celebrations for the 150th Anniversary of Confederation in 2017

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwired - Nov. 8, 2016) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, MP for Kildonan-St. Paul and Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, today announced $1.5 million in funding for the 2017 Canada Summer Games Host Society for its community project "2017 Canada Summer Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies." Minister Mihychuk made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Thanks to this funding, provided through the Government of Canada's Canada 150 Fund, the 2017 Canada Summer Games Host Society will organize a cultural festival along with opening and closing ceremonies during the 2017 Canada Games in Winnipeg. The 2017 Canada Summer Games festival will highlight the contribution of sport and the Canada Games in shaping our nation over the last 150 years, and will include family activities, and a range of cultural and sport events.

To make 2017 a memorable year for all Canadians, the Government of Canada will continue to invest in Canada-wide, regional and local projects.

The 150th anniversary of Confederation is an opportunity to engage Canadians in their communities. Canadians are encouraged to get involved in our country's future by focusing on a healthy way of life and the benefits of physical activity, thereby ensuring a healthy future for generations to come.

As we prepare for a year of celebration, the Government of Canada invites Canadians everywhere to take part in the countdown to Canada 150. It's a great opportunity to share what makes us proud to be Canadian, and how we will celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Confederation.

Quotes

"In 2017, Canada will celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Confederation. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate what it means to be Canadian. The Government of Canada invites Canadians everywhere to participate in local, regional and national celebrations. Communities across the country will proudly join in the year-round program of festivities marking this important milestone in Canada's history. Join the party-it's happening right here!"

-The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"Sport and the Canada Games have played an important part in shaping our national identity over the last 150 years, and the Canada Summer Games Festival in Winnipeg in 2017 will celebrate that contribution. The 150^th anniversary of Confederation is a unique opportunity to celebrate together the importance of sport in our communities. Join in the celebrations-we need your energy and passion!"

-The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, MP for Kildonan-St. Paul and Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

"We are honoured to have the 2017 Canada Summer Games earmarked as an official celebration of Canada 150. Today's announcement enhances our ability to deliver an exceptional Games experience through the Canada Games cultural festival, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. We can't wait to welcome participants and visitors from across the country to share in the celebration of our culture and heritage, and look forward to announcing program details in the new year."

-Jeff Hnatiuk, President and CEO, 2017 Canada Summer Games Host Society, Inc.

Quick Facts

• The 2017 Canada Summer Games Host Society is an incorporated not-for-profit organization based in Winnipeg. Its mandate is to present the 2017 Canada Summer Games.
• 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 makes strategic investments in activities that support the vision of the 150^th anniversary and encourage Canadians to participate directly.

Associated Links

Canada 150

Canada 150 Fund

2017 Canada Summer Games Host Society

Stay Connected

Follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Flickr.