Harper Government Launches the Commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ontario, October 11, 2011 – The Harper Government today launched the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. This War helped establish our path toward becoming an independent and free country, united under the Crown with a respect for linguistic and ethnic diversity.
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“The heroic efforts of those who fought for our country in the War of 1812 tell the story of the Canada we know today: an independent and free country with a constitutional monarchy and its own distinct parliamentary system,” said James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

“The 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 is an opportunity for all of us to take pride in our history, and we look forward to taking part in the events and activities that will mark this important anniversary for Canada.” Over the next four years, the Government will invest to increase Canadians’ awareness of this defining moment in our history. This will include support for: a pan-Canadian educational campaign focused on the importance of the War of 1812 to Canada’s history; support for up to 100 historical re-enactments, commemorations, and local events;a permanent 1812 memorial located in the National Capital Region;interactive tours, six exhibits, and improvements to three national historic sites across the country; investments in infrastructure at key 1812 battle sites, such as Fort Mississauga and Fort York, Ontario;celebrating and honouring the links that many of our current militia regiments in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada have to the War of 1812.

October 2012 will also be designated as a month of commemoration of the heroes and key battles of the War of 1812. “Had the War of 1812 ended differently, the Canada we know today would not exist. The war laid the foundation for Confederation and the cornerstones of our political institutions,” said Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. “Local activities here in Niagara and across our great country showcase this defining historic moment, while also boosting tourism and strengthening our economy.”

The 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 is just one of many events that are bringing Canadians together as the country moves closer to Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017. Other key anniversaries include the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the 200th anniversary of the Selkirk Settlement, the 100th anniversary of the Grey Cup in 2012, the 200th birthday of Sir John A. Macdonald in 2015, the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Dieppe in 2017, and the 25th anniversary of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 2019.

Fort George was the headquarters of the British Army in Upper Canada (Ontario) during the War, including at the time of the historic battle of Queenston Heights in October 1812. In that battle, invading forces were repelled, but Major-General Sir Isaac Brock lost his life fighting at the head of his troops. It was destroyed on May 25, 1813, when it was captured and occupied by US forces two days later. The fort was then retaken by the British in December 1813. Events marking this announcement will be held tomorrow in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. Details on planned activities will be made available on the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 website at www.1812.gc.ca.