OTTAWA, ONTARIO – On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Brian Jean, Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray - Athabasca, today announced $41,475 in total funding for Celebrate Canada festivities in Fort McMurray – Athabasca.

The funding will support Canada Day festivities and National Aboriginal Day celebrations throughout the constituency.  Each of the following organizations will receive a share of the funding to assist with their events: Lac La Biche Mission Historical Society, Joussard Community Association, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Town of Slave Lake, Pioneer Thresherman’s Association, Municipal District of Big Lakes, Peavine Metis Settlement, MD of Opportunity No. 17, Fort McMurray Historical Society, Athabasca District Chamber of Commerce, Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre, Gift Lake Metis Settlement and Mikisew Cree First Nation.

Celebrate Canada allows Canadians to appreciate Canada’s diversity while honouring people, places, symbols, anniversaries, and the outstanding achievements of their fellow citizens. This is an opportunity for them to express their pride in being Canadian and their sense of belonging to their country.

“Celebrate Canada festivities, which run from June 21 to July 1, have become a wonderful tradition in our country,” said Mr. Jean. “Over the course of 11 days, these celebrations give all Canadians a special opportunity to reaffirm their pride. In addition, this year we will be honoured by the presence of Her Majesty The Queen, at the Canada Day noon show in Ottawa. As we prepare to celebrate our country, we come to recognize how fortunate we are at having such a rich heritage, which enables us to look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm. I hope you all enjoy the celebrations!”

For the 11 days of the Celebrate Canada festivities, groups are organizing activities throughout the country. National Aboriginal Day on June 21 kicks off the celebrations, which continue with Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day on June 24 and Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27. The festivities culminate with Canada Day on July 1.

The Government of Canada has provided this funding under the Celebrate Canada component of the Celebrations and Commemorations Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program seeks to foster pride in being Canadian by encouraging people to participate in activities taking place from June 21 to July 1.


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The following organizations in Fort McMurray – Athabasca are receiving funding for 2010 Celebrate Canada activities: