The Countdown Has Started: Only 150 Days to an Unforgettable Year

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Aug. 4, 2016) - Department of Canadian Heritage

On behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Jonathan Wilkinson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament (North Vancouver), today announced the start of the 150-day countdown to the official launch of celebrations marking the 150^th anniversary of Confederation. He announced that many spontaneous activities will surprise Canadians from coast to coast to coast in the lead-up to the start of a highly memorable year. Canada 150 will engage our communities through local activities for families and children, such as a surprise appearance of a star in a public place, creating a community garden, upgrading a public space or a public art project.

During the announcement, Mr. Wilkinson noted the participation of CBC/Radio-Canada in this initiative-which will enable Canadians across the country to witness and participate in various surprise activities that will take place across the country to mark the 150 remaining days before the 150^th anniversary.

As we are preparing for a whole year of celebrations in 2017, Mr. Wilkinson took the opportunity to challenge Canadians. He invited them to organize their own activities to mark the countdown and to share their best moments on social media by using the hashtag #Canada 150 and the hashtags of the media partner for the Canada 150 countdown: #RadioCanada2017 and #CBC2017.

To make 2017 a year that all Canadians will remember, the Government of Canada will continue to provide funding for national, regional and local projects and invite Canadians to take part in the many events scheduled for throughout the year.

The Government of Canada's vision seeks to bring people together and inspire them. It will highlight the themes of diversity and inclusiveness, young people, the environment and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

Quick Facts

• The start of the countdown was also marked at events in Halifax, Charlottetown, Québec City, Montréal, Gatineau, Toronto, Winnipeg and Edmonton.
• The Canada 150 countdown is intended to encourage participation by Canadians nationwide and to promote the celebrations that are about to start, which will continue throughout 2017.
• The Government of Canada's vision for the 150^th anniversary of Confederation includes four major themes: diversity and inclusiveness, the environment, young people, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Celebrations highlighting these themes will be held to bring people together and inspire them.
• The Canada 150 Fund, established in April 2015, has an overall budget of $210 million.

Quotes

"Today, barely 150 days remain before the official launch of major festivities scheduled for every region throughout 2017. I encourage all Canadians to join in the celebrations by getting involved right now in the many activities that will happen all across Canada. I am sure that these activities will build genuine enthusiasm. Together, let's get ready to experience an extraordinary and memorable year! The countdown has started!"

- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"I invite you to join all those taking part in countdown activities across Canada and even to organize your own right here in your community. Together, let's create some contagious enthusiasm about the celebrations that are getting closer all the time."

- Jonathan Wilkinson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament (North Vancouver)

"CBC/Radio-Canada is proud to be a part of the lead-up to 2017. Over the next 150 days, the public broadcaster will provide a space where Canadians can share their stories, ideas and perspectives and where they can engage with one another from coast to coast to coast."

- Hubert T. Lacroix, President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada

Associated Links

Canada 150

@Canada150th

Radio-Canada

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