Canadians to Take Part in Celebrate Canada 2000
OTTAWA, June 19, 2000 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today invited all Canadians to celebrate the richness and diversity of the Canadian experience as part of Celebrate Canada!, 11 days of celebration leading up to Canada Day."Celebrate Canada! gives us the opportunity to celebrate pride in our country. Events taking place across Canada will allow us to share our cultural diversity and our linguistic, cultural and historical heritage," said Minister Copps.
Celebrate Canada! activities begin on June 21 with National Aboriginal Day, recognizing the role of Aboriginal peoples in Canadian society; continue on June 24 with Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, a traditional day of celebration for French Canadians in every part of the country; and culminate with Canada Day on July 1. A whole range of events is being organized across the country. A listing of these events and other interesting information can be found on the Celebrate Canada! Web site, at: http://www.pch.gc.ca/canada.
In addition, the Year 2000 has been designated by the United Nations as the International Year for the Culture of Peace. "Let us take this opportunity to reflect on the importance of tolerance and the respect of cultural diversity in Canada and around the world. Let us encourage the integration of all cultures and all marginalized people into Celebrate Canada! events in every community and region," said Minister Copps.
The Year 2000 presents many opportunities to take pride in our Canadian identity. This year marks the 1000th anniversary of the establishment of a Viking colony at L'Anse-aux-Meadows, Newfoundland, the first European settlement in North America; the 125th anniversary of the creation of the Supreme Court of Canada; the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the beaver as an official emblem; the 20th anniversary of the adoption of O Canada as our national anthem; and the 120th anniversary of the composition of O Canada, performed for the first time in Quebec City on June 24, 1880.
Information:
Krista Pawley
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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