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National Events List 2006
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Government of Canada Events
(Dates are fixed unless otherwise indicated.)
To become officially recognized by the Government of Canada, an event must be brought to the attention of a member of Parliament, who then determines if the event should be brought before Parliament in the form of a private member's motion. Once the event has been approved in Parliament, it becomes officially recognized.
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26 January: International Customs Day
International Customs Day recognizes the efforts of the men and women working in customs organizations worldwide and marks their contribution to the security and prosperity of our communities.
WWW: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/icd/menu-e.html
5 - 11 February: International Development Week (first week of February)
International Development Week highlights the contribution of Canadians to international development, and raises public awareness of this contribution's importance to developing countries.
Canadian International Development Agency
Tel.: (819) 997-5456
Fax: (819) 997-7397
Toll-free: (800) 230-6349
E-mail: idw@acdi-cida.gc.ca
WWW: http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/idw
15 February: National Flag of Canada Day
Canada's red and white maple leaf flag was first raised on 15 February 1965. National Flag of Canada Day is celebrated each year in commemoration of that event.
Department of Canadian Heritage
Tel.: (819) 994-1616
Fax: (819) 997-8550
WWW: http://www.pch.gc.ca/flag-drapeau
5-11 March: International Women's Week
International Women's Week (IWW) focuses on women's contributions to the community as well as on their achievements and history.
Status of Women Canada
Tel.: (613) 995-7835
Fax: (613) 957-3359 (publications)
Fax: (613) 943-2386 (information)
TTY: (613) 996-1322
WWW: http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/dates/iwd/index_e.html
8 March: International Women's Day (part of International Women's Week)
Established in 1977 by the United Nations, International Women's Day (IWD) provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made to advance women's equality, to assess the challenges facing women in contemporary society, to consider future steps to enhance the status of women and to celebrate the gains made in these areas.
Status of Women Canada
Tel.: (613) 995-7835
Fax: (613) 957-3359 (publications)
Fax: (613) 943-2386 (information)
TTY: (613) 996-1322
WWW: http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/dates/iwd/index_e.html
13 March: Commonwealth Day (second Monday in March)
Commonwealth Day is observed every year by all Commonwealth countries to celebrate the Commonwealth's values and principles.
Jim Crowe
Deputy Director
Foreign Affairs Canada
Tel.: (613) 992-8842
Fax: (613) 943-0605
E-mail: jim.crowe@international.gc.ca
WWW: http://www.commonwealthday.com
20 March: Journée internationale de la Francophonie
The Journée internationale de la Francophonie celebrates the French language and cultural diversity of la Francophonie worldwide through various activities and events.
Line Lachapelle
Tel.: (613) 995-6780
Fax : (613) 995-4949
E-mail: line.lachapelle@international.gc.ca
WWW: http://www.international.gc.ca/foreign_policy/francophonie
21 March: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Established by the United Nations in 1966, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination raises public awareness on the issue of racism through various activities that take place across Canada.
Sylvie Campeau
Program Officer
Multiculturalism
Canadian Heritage
Tel.: (819) 953-6421
Toll-free: (888) 776-8584
Fax: (819) 953-9228
WWW: http://www.march21.gc.ca
9-15 April: National Wildlife Week (second week of April)
Established in 1947, National Wildlife Week is celebrated during the week of 10 April, the birthdate of the late Jack Miner, one of the founders of Canada's conservation movement.
Canadian Wildlife Federation
Tel.: (613) 599-9594
Fax: (613) 599-4428
Toll-free: (800) 563-9453
E-mail: info@cwf-fcf.org
WWW: http://www.cwf-fcf.org
or
Regional Environment Canada offices
28 April: National Day of Mourning
The National Day of Mourning is observed in remembrance of workers killed or injured in the workplace, or who have suffered from work-related illnesses.
Human Resources and Social Development
Tel.: (819) 994-6824
Fax: (819) 953-6101
WWW: http://www.rhdcc.gc.ca/asp/gateway.asp?hr=en/lp/lo/ohs/events/mourning.shtml
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Toll-free: (800) 263-8466
Fax: (905) 572-4500
WWW: http://www.ccohs.ca/events/mourning
(The Canadian Labour Congress also provides information on the National Day of Mourning. Please consult the Non-governmental Organization Events list.)
7-13 May: Emergency Preparedness Week
Emergency Preparedness Week aims to increase public awareness of emergency preparation and management in Canada.
Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
Toll-free: (800) 830-3118
Fax: (613) 954-3111
E-mail: communications@psepc.gc.ca
WWW: http://www.emergencypreparednessweek.ca
8-14 May: National Mining Week (starts on Monday of the second week of May)
First celebrated in 1996, National Mining Week recognizes the importance of the Canadian mining industry to the economic development of Canada.
Natural Resources Canada
Tel.: (613) 947-6580
E-mail: info-mms@nrcan.gc.ca
WWW: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/nmw/hom_e.htm
14-20 May: National Police Week (week including 15 May)
National Police Week pays tribute to the work of police officers across Canada.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Public Relations
Tel.: (613) 991-1992
WWW: http://www.rcmp.ca/policeweek/policeweekint_e.htm
or
Local RCMP detachments
23-26 May: Aboriginal Awareness Week
Aboriginal Awareness Week aims to increase awareness of Aboriginal peoples among public service employees.
Public Service Human Resources Management Agency of Canada
Tel.: (613) 952-3091
Fax: (613) 952-2884
WWW: http://www.hrma-agrh.gc.ca/ee/aaw-ssca/index_e.asp
25 May: National Missing Children's Day
National Missing Children's Day raises public awareness of the Canadian children who go missing each year, and highlights the success of the federal Our Missing Children program.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
National Missing Children Services
Tel.: (613) 993-1525
Toll-free: (877) 318-3576
Fax: (613) 993-5430
WWW: http://www.ourmissingchildren.gc.ca/
3 June: Canadian Forces Day (first Sunday in June)
Canadian Forces Day honours the Canadian Forces members and recognizes their contributions across Canada and abroad.
National Defence
WWW: http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/focus/DECPR/cfday_e.asp
or
Local Canadian Forces bases
4-10 June: Canadian Environment Week
Canadian Environment Week coincides each year with World Environment Day (5 June) and aims to raise public awareness of the environment and of the benefits linked to its protection. The week encourages and celebrates local community action.
Environment Canada
Tel.: (819) 997-2800
Toll-free: (800) 668-6767
WWW: http://www.ec.gc.ca/e-week/index_e.htm
7 June: Clean Air Day Canada (Wednesday of Canadian Environment Week)
Clean Air Day was proclaimed by the Government of Canada to increase public awareness and action on two key environmental priorities: clean air and climate change.
Phil Caron
Outreach Program Coordinator
Strategies and Coordination Branch
Air Pollution Prevention Directorate
Environment Canada
Tel.: (819) 997-0083
Toll-free: (819) 994-0549
WWW: http://www.ec.gc.ca/cleanair/index_e.cfm
(The Canadian Urban Transit Association sponsors this event. Please consult the Non-governmental Organization Events list.)
8 June: World Oceans Day
First celebrated in 1992, World Oceans Day aims to raise public awareness of the beauty of oceans and of the need to protect our seas and coasts from pollution.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Tel.: (613) 993-0999
Fax: (613) 990-1866
WWW: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/canwaters-eauxcan/events-evenements/oday-ojeux/index_e.asp
(Environment Canada, Parks Canada and the Canadian Museum of Nature also participate in the organization of World Oceans Day. The Canadian Wildlife Federation, Scouts Canada and the Canadian Association of Principals also sponsor this event. Please consult the Non-governmental Organization Events list.)
11-17 June: National Public Service Week (week ending third Saturday of June)
National Public Service Week recognizes the work of federal employees and aims to build pride in the public service of Canada.
Chantal Hubert
Program Officer
Public Service Human Resources Management Agency of Canada
Tel.: (613) 943-5522
Fax: (613) 943-5520
WWW: http://www.hrma-agrh.gc.ca/leadership/npsw-snfp/2006/introduction_e.asp
21 June: National Aboriginal Day
Established in 1996, National Aboriginal Day encourages Canadians to recognize the diverse cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis and highlights these communities' contributions to the development of Canada.
Julian Wilson
Program Manager
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Tel.: (819) 953-4974
Fax: (819) 997-1804
WWW: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/nad/index_e.html
27 June: Canadian Multiculturalism Day
Canadian Multiculturalism Day celebrates Canada's cultural richness and diversity and the contributions made by various cultural groups and communities to Canadian society.
Canadian Heritage
Tel.: (866) 811-0055
WWW: http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/multi/index_e.cfm
or
Canadian Heritage regional offices
1 July: Canada Day
Canada Day was established in 1879 under the name "Dominion Day" and became known by its current name in 1982. Canada Day encourages Canadians to celebrate their country.
Canadian Heritage
Tel.: (866) 811-0055
WWW: http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/jfa-ha/canada_e.cfm
or
Canadian Heritage regional offices
16 July: Canada's Parks Day (third Saturday in July)
Established in 1990, Canada's Parks Day showcases Canada's parks and historical sites through numerous events taking place throughout the country.
John Good
Executive Director
Canadian Parks Council
Tel.: (705) 652-9752
WWW: http://www.parksday.ca
Corinne Duguay
Coordinator
Parks Canada Agency
Tel.: (819) 994-5127
WWW: http://www.parkscanada.gc.ca
8 September: International Literacy Day
International Literacy Day is celebrated across Canada to promote and increase reading and writing skills among Canadians.
Johanne Lussier
Advisor
National Literacy Secretariat
Human Resources and Social Development
Tel.: (613) 957-9751
Fax: (613) 946-5882
WWW: http://www.nald.ca/literacyevents/annual/Intltday/Intltday.htm
or
Local literacy organizations
24 - 30 September - National Forest Week
Natural Resources Canada's Canadian Forest Service organizes National Forest Week with partners from across the country in order to raise Canadians' awareness of their country's rich forest heritage.
Sylvie Provenzano
Manager, Communications
Natural Resources Canada
Tel.: (613) 992-5285
Fax: (613) 947-7397
WWW: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/cfs-scf/NFW/index_e.html
October: Stamp Collecting Month
Stamp Collecting Month promotes stamp collecting and encourages young Canadians to adopt this hobby.
Canada Post Corporation
National Philatelic Centre
Toll-free: (800) 565-4362
Fax: (902) 863-6796
WWW: http://www.canadapost.ca/personal/collecting/default-e.asp
or
Local post offices
October: Women's History Month
Since 1992, Women's History Month highlights the contributions of women to Canadian society and recognizes the achievements of women as a vital part of the Canadian heritage.
Status of Women Canada
Tel.: (613) 995-7835
Fax: (613) 957-3359 (publications)
Fax: (613) 943-2386 (information)
TTY: (613) 996-1322
WWW: http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/dates/whm/index_e.html
or
Regional offices
1 October: International Day of Older Persons
International Day of Older Persons aims to foster international public awareness of the important social role of seniors in society and the benefits of intergenerational respect and support.
Michelle Soulière
Division of Aging and Seniors
Public Health Agency of Canada
Tel.: (613) 952-9727
Fax: (613) 957-9938
E-mail: seniors@phac-aspc.gc.ca
WWW: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/idop/intro_e.htm
13-22 October - National Science and Technology Week
National Science and Technology Week celebrates the importance of science and technology in our daily lives.
Natural Resources Canada
Tel.: 613-947-6683
Fax.: 613-992-7373
E-mail: nstw-snst@NRCan.gc.ca
WWW: http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/nstw-snst/index_e.htm
14 October: World Standards Day
World Standards Day aims to raise public awareness of the global importance of standardization activities and organizations.
Standards Council of Canada
Tel.: (613) 238-3222
Fax: (613) 569-7808
E-mail: info@scc.ca
WWW: http://www.scc.ca/en/news_events/events/wsd.shtml
16-22 October - Small Business Week
Small Business Week pays tribute to the contributions that small and medium-sized businesses make to the national economy.
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Toll-free: (888) 463-6232
WWW: http://www.bdc.ca/en/about/events_publications/small_business_week/sbw_fact_sheet.htm
or
Local BDC offices
16-22 October: Citizenship Week (third week of October)
Citizenship Week recognizes the value of immigration and citizenship and focuses on the rights, privileges, obligations and responsibilities of citizenship.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Toll-free: (888) 242-2100
WWW: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizen/celebrate.html
18 October: Persons Case Day
Since 1979, the Persons Case Day commemorates the recognition of women as persons under Canadian law. The Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case are presented on or around 18 October.
Status of Women Canada
Tel.: (613) 995-7835
Fax: (613) 957-3359 (publications)
Fax: (613) 943-2386 (information)
TTY: (613) 996-1322
WWW: http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/dates/persons/index_e.html
5-11 November: Veterans' Week
Veterans' Week encourages Canadians to pay tribute to Canada's veterans and to uphold the principles of peace and freedom for which they fought.
Veterans Affairs Canada
Toll-free: (800) 443-0394
WWW: http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca
12-19 November: Restorative Justice Week(third week of November)
Restorative Justice Week aims to promote mediation between victims of crime and past offenders in order to improve the community's quality of life.
Restorative Justice and Dispute Resolution
Correctional Service Canada
Tel.: (613) 947-6435
Fax: (613) 943-2171
E-mail: restorativejustive@csc-scc.gc.ca
WWW: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/forum_e.shtml
20 November: National Child Day
National Child Day celebrates two historic events for children: the adoption of the United Nations' Declaration on the Rights of the Child (1959) and Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).
Childhood and Youth Division
Health Canada
Tel.: (613) 952-1220
Fax : (613) 952-1556
WWW: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/dca-dea/ncd-jna/index_e.html
6 December: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women coincides with the anniversary of the massacre of young women at the École Polytechnique de Montréal in 1989 and encourages Canadians to think about the results of deliberate acts of violence.
Status of Women Canada
Tel.: (613) 995-7835
Fax: (613) 957-3359 (publications)
Fax: (613) 943-2386 (information)
TTY: (613) 996-1322
WWW: http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/dates/dec6/index_e.html
Copyright
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2004
All rights reserved. No part of this information May: be reproduced, modified or redistributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the following:
Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0S5