News Release

Minister Guarnieri Announces Funding to Support Community Conservation of Veteran Tributes

Woodstock, NB – Today, the Honourable Albina Guarnieri, Minister of Veterans Affairs, announced funding for a new Canadian Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program to conserve existing cenotaphs and monuments. Two million dollars this year, $2 million next year, and $1.5 million each subsequent year was made available for this program as part of the Federal Budget 2005. Eligible community and non-profit groups will need to apply for contributions towards their projects.

"Cenotaphs and monuments are silent but powerful reminders of what our Veterans accomplished and sacrificed for all of us," said Minister Guarnieri. "To maintain the faith our Veterans placed in our future, we must maintain monuments to their memory and care for them with the dignity and grace they deserve. This funding will help communities across Canada honour their Veterans in the years to follow our Year of the Veteran."

Under the new program, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) will contribute up to 50 per cent of costs, to a maximum of $25,000 per existing cenotaph or monument. Groups eligible to apply for funding include Municipal governments; non-profit organizations (including the Voluntary Sector); ex-service organizations; registered charitable organizations and associations; historical organizations; and educational institutions. Individuals and businesses are not eligible under this program. Projects to construct new cenotaphs and monuments are also not eligible for this funding.

VAC, through the Canada Remembers Program, endeavours to keep alive the achievements and sacrifices made by those who served Canada in times of war, armed conflict and peace and to promote an understanding of the significance of these efforts in Canadian life as we know it today.

To learn more about the project or to apply for funding, call 1-800-443-0394 or visit the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site.

2005 is the Year of the Veteran: Celebrate. Honour. Thank. Remember. Teach.

All Other Enquiries:
information@vac-acc.gc.ca