A promising future thanks to youth and innovation
During an event today at the Discovery Centre in Halifax, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced the Government of Canada’s vision for the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. She also announced funding for two pan-Canadian signature projects as part of the Canada 150 Fund.
According to Minister Joly, the 150th anniversary of Confederation gives the Government of Canada an opportunity to engage and inspire Canadians in their communities. It is also a time to come together to celebrate our shared values, our Canadian identity, our achievements, our majestic environment and our place in the world.
The vision seeks to bring people together and inspire them. It will feature themes focusing on diversity and inclusiveness, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, youth and the environment.
To make 2017 a memorable year of celebrations for all Canadians, Minister Joly today confirmed that the Government of Canada will continue to invest in national, regional and local projects to increase Canadians’ awareness and invite them to participate in the many events taking place throughout the year.
Minister Joly took the opportunity to announce funding of nearly $6 million for the project Innovation 150. She was accompanied by Greg Dick, Director of Educational Outreach at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.
This investment will let Innovation 150 present a travelling exhibition that will highlight Canadian thinkers, science and innovation. The exhibition, which includes interactive activities, will travel to more than 80 communities all across the country.
Minister Joly also announced funding of $700,000 for Experiences Canada for its project Canada 150+Me. Joining her was Deborah Morrison, the organization’s President and CEO.
Canada 150+Me will make it possible to bring together some of Canada’s most passionate youth through cultural exchanges. It will allow them to acquire skills and gain confidence, which will help them become engaged citizens.
During today’s event, Dr. Arthur McDonald, eminent Canadian physicist and 2015 Nobel Laureate, joined Minister Joly as an ambassador to encourage Canadians to get involved in the 150th anniversary celebrations in their own communities.
Quick Facts
The main themes of the Government of Canada’s vision for the 150th anniversary of Confederation are diversity and inclusiveness, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, the environment and youth.
The Canada 150 Fund was established in April 2015. It has an overall budget of $210 million.
Through the Fund, the Government of Canada will continue to make strategic investments in activities that support the vision of the 150th anniversary and encourage Canadians to participate directly.
Innovation 150—under the direction of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and in partnership with Actua, the Institute for Quantum Computing and the Canadian Association of Science Centres—aims to inspire youth, families and communities from coast to coast to coast by highlighting our country’s innovative past and the enormous possibilities offered by science, now and in the future.
Experiences Canada is a registered charity organization that offers experiential learning activities in Canada.
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