Vancouver, BC (August 2007)

The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) leads industry in changing Americans’ views of Canada
Since 1982 guests from around the world have been taken on a tour of beautiful Canadian landscapes and diverse cultures as they watched the film O Canada! in the Canada pavilion at Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL. 

Now, the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) and tourism industry partners have collaborated with the Walt Disney World Resort and Walt Disney Imagineering to give this movie a facelift. The newly enhanced film spotlights Canada in a modern, witty way — much like the CTC’s new Brand Canada — by showcasing Canada’s self-deprecating sense of humour and best-loved icons in a fresh, unexpected way.

This fall, the reworked version will light up the screen in the Canada pavilion at Epcot. Actor Martin Short, a Hamilton, ON native, confronts Canadian misconceptions head-on and demystifies them. Viewers take a journey through a country they thought they knew, but discover Canada is so much more than vast landscapes.

The film is 14 minutes in length with 65% new footage, including six new aerials of Montréal, QC, Toronto, ON, Calgary, AB, Vancouver and Victoria, BC and Niagara Falls, ON. Instead of cars, clothes and cityscapes, the film takes in acrobatic Cirque du Soleil performances and rowdy rodeo action at the Calgary Stampede. Scenes portray Canada’s diverse people, culture and wilderness — a modern, young and beautiful nation. The soundtrack features 2006 “Canadian Idol” winner Eva Avila, a singer from Québec.

“This film is a huge success story for Canada,” says CTC President and CEO Michele McKenzie. “It does what our Brand Canada does — paints a picture of Canada as it is today: progressive, colourful, multi-ethnic and original. It’s time we show Americans and the world what Canada really has to offer.”

• The Canada film is presented in the Canada Pavilion at Epcot.  This pavilion is part of the World Showcase at Epcot which features 11 countries that surround a 1.2-mi promenade that encircle the World Showcase Lagoon.
• The Canada pavilion features a replica of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and a log cabin-style boutique selling Roots clothing and other popular Canadian products.
• Disney owns the film rights. Walt Disney Imagineering worked closely with the CTC and Canada’s tourism leaders to provide content to update the film.
• The new Canada film is just one of many initiatives the CTC is taking to reach Americans. Most recently, the CTC and its Canadian tourism partners launched an aggressive print and billboard campaign in New York, Boston and Los Angeles. The campaign runs through this summer.

about the Walt Disney World Resort and other Disney theme parks
www.disneyworld.ca

about our tourism partners
Calgary Stampede - www.calgarystampede.com
Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corp. (OTMPC) www.tourismpartners.com
Tourisme Montréal - www.tourisme-montreal.org
Tourisme Québec - www.bonjourquebec.com
Québec City Tourism - www.quebecregion.com
Tourism Toronto - www.torontotourism.com
Tourism Vancouver - www.tourismvancouver.com
Travel Alberta - www.travelalberta.com

about Epcot®
Epcot is one of four fascinating theme parks located in the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Epcot allows guests to travel to eleven countries on four continents, explore land and sea adventures, experience future technologies and journey into their imagination – all in one vacation.  With its many must-see dazzling shows, interactive experiences and amazing attractions, Epcot is truly a celebration of human achievement and discovery.

about the CTC
The CTC is a national marketing organization. Our vision is compelling the world to explore Canada.

With our partners in the tourism industry and all levels of government, we:

• advertise and market Canada in 10 countries around the world;
• conduct industry research and studies; and
• promote product and industry development.

For travel information, media resources, meetings and conference planning details, research and news or to create extra-ordinary stories all your own, visit www.canada.travel.

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