(Ottawa, ON) On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Dean Del Mastro, Member of Parliament for Peterborough, today announced over $10,000 in funding to four local organizations for Celebrate Canada festivities in the Peterborough Riding.

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 MP Del Mastro.  “Over the course of 11 days, these celebrations give all Canadians a special opportunity to reaffirm their pride.  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.

Celebrate Canada Funding has been awarded to the following organizations:

$2,400 to the CANADIAN CANOE MUSEUM for a National Canoe Day Celebration on June 26th in Peterborough. Events will include a series of activities including cardboard canoe making, musical entertainment, a salute to the Canoe as one of the Seven Wonders of Canada. Non-canoeists will be able to try canoes from the CCM's fleet, and/or take a ride in the 26ft. North Canoe (Voyageur). $960 to the TOWNSHIP OF HAVELOCK BELMONT METHUEN for a Canada Day Celebration on July 1, 2011 in Havelock.  Events will include a series of Canada Day activities including a parade, children's games, face painting, entertainment and fireworks display.

$1,500 to CLUB CONNEXION FRANÇAISE, PETERBOROUGH for a celebration of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day on June 26, 2011 in Peterborough.  Events will include activities such as raising the Franco-Ontarian flag, a picnic with games, barbecue, performances by Francophone artists and a Saint-Jean-Baptiste bonfire. 

$6,000 to the O'KAADENIGAN WIINGASHK COLLECTIVE for a National Aboriginal Day Celebration on June 21, 2011 in Peterborough.  Events will include a series of National Aboriginal Day activities including a community procession, traditional gathering/powwow, vendors, demonstrations, art activities and canoeing.

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.