News Release

$1 Million in Federal Funding Announced for Juno Beach Centre

Ottawa – The Government of Canada will provide $1 million to the Juno Beach Centre Association to assist in the establishment of the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France. The interactive educational facility and museum will offer in-depth information about Canada's role in the Second World War. It is expected to be completed for the 59th anniversary of the D-Day landings on June 6, 2003.

"The Centre will ensure that Canadians, especially our youth, know the story of our contribution in all campaigns during the Second World War," said the Honourable Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State (Science, Research and Development). "By preserving this remarkable legacy of service and sacrifice, the Centre will inspire future generations to fully appreciate the many blessings of peace and freedom."

The Juno Beach Centre is a project of the Juno Beach Centre Association, a group of Second World War veterans who participated in the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944 and the subsequent battles in Normandy and through Western Europe.

"I am delighted to receive the financial support from Veterans Affairs Canada. It is a tremendous boost to this wonderful project," said Garth Webb, President and Director of the Juno Beach Centre Association. "The Centre is a project of partnership and collaboration and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who are helping us realize our dream."

The Centre will be built at Courseulles-sur-Mer, a community on the Normandy Coast in France. It is designed to inspire and inform, provide a forum for visitors to learn about Canada and Canadians, and preserve the memory of the nation's contribution to the Second World War.

Those who are unable to visit the Centre in person will be able to make virtual visits to the Juno Beach Centre on the Internet at www.junobeach.org. A virtual museum will provide as much information as possible, drawing on what is included in the museum itself.

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