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Commemorating the War of 1812 |
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October 14, 2011 -- The Harper Government today announced support for legacy projects to commemorate 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.
“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 the Honourable 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.”
The Western Corridor War of 1812 Bicentennial Alliance will be able to produce a documentary series on the War, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. The three-part documentary Rural Raids and Divided Loyalties – Southwestern Ontario and the War of 1812 will tell the story of the area’s involvement in the War. An educational toolkit will also be created so that Canadians can learn more about the history of 1812 in this region.
“Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in projects that commemorate historic events and allow us to take pride in our shared history,” said Minister Moore. “By supporting projects like these, our Government is delivering on its commitment to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812—a defining moment in our country’s history that in many ways has shaped Canada into the country it is today.”
“The Government of Canada is proud to contribute to this initiative that will enable Canadians to learn about the national and local significance of the War of 1812,” said David Sweet, Member of Parliament (Ancaster–Dundas–Flamborough–Westdale). “The 200th anniversary commemorations will allow Canadians to come together and take part in entertaining and educational activities that commemorate defining moments in our history—including the history that took place in our own backyard with the Battle of Stoney Creek.”
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 dedicated War of 1812 Monument in Canada’s National Capital Region;
- interactive tours, exhibits, and improvements to national historic sites across the country; and
- investments in infrastructure at key 1812 battle sites, such as Fort Mississauga and Fort York, Ontario; and
- celebrating and honouring the links that many of our current militia regiments in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada have to the War of 1812
The Government of Canada has provided funding through the Commemorate Canada component of the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Celebration and Commemoration Program. This component provides financial support to initiatives of national significance that commemorate various aspects of Canadian history.
Details on planned activities and funding opportunities will be made available on the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 website at www.1812.gc.ca.
You can now also download the official Government of Canada mobile application and browse the mobile site for information about the commemoration, key battles and heroes, and related national historic sites, as well as other interactive features that will be updated in the coming months in the lead-up to the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. |
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Canada- USA Border Action Plan |
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December 7, 2011 -- Canada and the United States have agreed to implement two action plans designed to speed up legitimate trade and travel, improve security in North America, and align regulatory approaches between the two countries.
“Billions of dollars worth of goods and hundreds of thousands of people cross our shared border every day,” said Prime Minister Harper. “Moving security to the perimeter of our continent will transform our border and create jobs and growth in Canada by improving the flow of goods and people between our two countries.”
The Action Plan on Perimeter Security and Economic Competiveness focuses on four areas of cooperation: addressing threats early; facilitating trade, economic growth and jobs; integrating cross-border law enforcement; and improving critical infrastructure and cyber-security.
“We are pursuing an ambitious global trade agenda, while at the same time ensuring enhanced access to the United States, our largest and most important trading partner,” said Prime Minister Harper. “Together, these agreements represent the most significant step forward in Canada-U.S. cooperation since the North American Free Trade Agreement.”
The Action Plan on Regulatory Cooperation will help reduce barriers to trade, lower costs for consumers and business, and create economic opportunities on both sides of the border. It identifies 29 initiatives where Canada and the U.S. will align their regulatory approaches in the areas of agriculture and food, transportation, health and personal care products, chemical management, the environment, and other cross-sectoral areas, while not compromising our health, safety or environmental protection standards.
“This Action Plan on Regulatory Cooperation will break down regulatory barriers and will make it easier for our firms and manufacturers to do business on both sides of the border,” added the Prime Minister.
The two action plans respect the sovereignty of both countries and specify they will work together to promote the principles of human rights, privacy and civil liberty essential to the rule of law and the effective management of our perimeter.
As the action plans are implemented, the Government will consult with Parliament and Canadians and keep them informed of progress.
Detailed backgrounders on each area of cooperation and what the initiatives will mean are available at www.borderactionplan.gc.ca. |
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2011 Government Achievements |
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December 31, 2011 -- 2011 was a momentous year for Canada both at home and abroad. As such, Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement highlighting some of the Government’s significant accomplishments in 2011.
“Global economic uncertainty continued to create challenging conditions in 2011. Our Government remained focused on jobs and growth and continued to implement our Economic Action Plan.
“The results have truly been impressive. Canada is posting the highest number of jobs created in the G-7 this year; Forbes magazine ranked Canada the number one country to conduct business; we’ve been praised as a country with the soundest banking system; and our economic growth is forecasted to be the strongest of the G-7 countries in 2012. All this has been accomplished while reducing the country’s deficit.
“Our Government has also taken important steps over the past year to help hard-working families. This includes an increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement announced in Budget 2011 to help hundreds of thousands of seniors make ends meet, additional support for Canadians taking care of infirm dependent relatives, and a tax break that will make it more affordable for children to pursue artistic, cultural, recreational and developmental activities.
“Important strides were also taken in 2011 to make neighbourhoods and streets across our country safer. We introduced or passed bills to reduce crime and terrorism, provide greater support and protection for victims of crime, get tougher on murderers and those who would sexually exploit children, and allow Canadians to more easily defend themselves and their property against criminals. And we are delivering on our promise to pass the Safe Streets and Communities Act during the first 100 sitting days of Parliament.
“Our Government has followed through on our commitments by ending the wasteful and ineffective long-gun registry, ending the Canadian Wheat Board monopoly, and giving western farmers the freedom to sell wheat and barley on the open market. We have introduced Bills to ensure fair representation in the House of Commons and make the Senate more democratic, accountable and representative.
“Internationally we have also accomplished much this past year towards making the world – including Canada – a better place. Building on its important experience and investments in Afghanistan, Canada, along with other NATO allies, continued to make important contributions towards making that country more secure, stable, and self-sufficient. We also played a significant role in defending civilians in Libya against the now defeated Gaddafi regime. Along with other members of the international community, Canada imposed sanctions on North Korea, Syria, Libya and Iran to encourage their adherence to international laws.
“Ambitious agreements were also concluded with the U.S. on perimeter security and economic competitiveness, as well as on regulatory cooperation. These agreements create a new, modern border, and represent the most significant steps forward in Canada-U.S. cooperation since the North American Free Trade Agreement.
“Here at home, Canada was delighted to host the Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge this past summer. And in the coming year, Canadians will have the opportunity to celebrate our proud heritage by participating in celebrations across the country marking both The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.”
“Our Government was deeply honoured to be given a Parliamentary majority by Canadians in the May federal elections and will do its utmost to make Canada as prosperous, united and strong.” |
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New Veterans' Charter Enhancements |
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October 11, 2011 -- The needs of Veterans are changing. It is happening now, and it is happening quickly. On October 6, 2011, our Government responded by announcing that enhancements to the New Veterans Charter are now in effect—improving financial support for thousands of Canadian Veterans.
To date, Veterans Affairs Canada has helped more than 20,000 Veterans, Canadian Forces members and their families through programs and services under the New Veterans Charter. The Charter offers the financial help Veterans need while providing full physical and psychological rehabilitation services, vocational assistance, health care benefits, and one-on-one case management—all aimed at helping Veterans make a successful transition to civilian life.
Our Government promised that the New Veterans Charter would evolve with the needs of the men and women it serves—and these latest enhancements follow through on this promise. Over the next five years, an additional $189 million dollars has been set aside for Veterans most in need. It is estimated that a minimum of 4,000 Veterans will qualify for this enhanced financial support during this time.
Enhancements to the New Veterans Charter:
- A minimum pre-tax income of $40,000 a year for Veterans who are in rehabilitation or, if they are no longer able to be gainfully employed, until age 65;
- Expanded eligibility for additional monthly allowances (worth up to $1,632 per month, payable for life) for seriously injured Veterans;
- A new $1,000 monthly supplement to the Permanent Impairment Allowance (payable for life) to help our most seriously injured or ill Veterans who are unable to return to suitable, gainful employment; and
- New payment options for Canadian Forces members and Veterans receiving a disability award. While these men and women still have the choice of a lump-sum payment, they are also now able to receive a disability award as either an annual payment (with interest) over any number of years they choose, or as a combination of a partial lump-sum payment and annual payments (with interest).
These enhancements are just one example of how our Government is changing to meet the needs of today’s Veterans. In the following weeks and months, Veterans will see the positive impact of how Veterans Affairs Canada is cutting red tape and working to offer the hassle-free service Veterans have asked for.
Are you a Veteran? Do you know someone who is a Veteran and may benefit from these enhancements? To learn more about the services and benefits available to Canadian Veterans, visit www.veterans.gc.ca. |
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