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Friday, May 16, 2008 • 11:53 am |
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2 • May 11, 2008 The National Capital Commission (NCC), in collaboration with the Société du 400e anniversaire de Québec and the department of Canadian Heritage, today unveiled the 2008 series of Confederation Boulevard Banners, which pays tribute to the 400th anniversary
The National Capital Commission (NCC), in collaboration with the Société du 400e anniversaire de Québec and the department of Canadian Heritage, today unveiled the 2008 series of Confederation Boulevard Banners, which pays tribute to the 400th anniversary of Québec City and will beautify the heart of Canada's Capital Region this summer. Those gathered for this special unveiling at the Capital Infocentre also got a sneak preview of an exhibit that will be presented on Plaza Bridge this summer, recounting the history of Québec City through giant photos.
Ms. Sylvie Boucher, Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Status of Women, Ms. Marie Lemay, NCC Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Jean Leclerc, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Société du 400e anniversaire de Québec, proudly unveiled the banners and spoke with enthusiasm about the different activities organized in Canada's Capital Region to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Québec City. "The NCC is proud to recognize important milestones in our country's history, such as the 400th anniversary of the founding of Québec City, through its programs and events," said Marie Lemay, NCC Chief Executive Officer. "This partnership between the NCC and the Société du 400e anniversaire de Québec will allow residents and visitors to the Capital Region to take part in the celebration of one of the defining moments in the creation of our country." "The 400th anniversary of the founding of Québec City, which we are celebrating all year long, reminds us that French is the founding language of Canada," said Minister Verner. "It is from that date that we truly started to become what we are today. From Newfoundland and Labrador to British Columbia, Canadians will join in this great celebration." "I salute the NCC's collaboration and the extraordinary visibility given to the 400th anniversary of Québec City," said Jean Leclerc, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Société du 400e anniversaire de Québec. "The 150 pairs of banners installed along Confederation Boulevard, the giant photo exhibit on Plaza Bridge, and the tulip bed in Commissioners Park will enable residents of the Capital Region to take part in this celebration commemorating 400 years of Francophone presence in North America." "Through the banners and interpretive panels that will be installed on Confederation Boulevard, the NCC will be part of the festivities. The year 1608 is a historic date for all of Canada and for North America because the founding of Québec also marks the founding of the Canadian state," said Ms. Boucher. "This is a wonderful way to give the festivities a pan-Canadian reach and to highlight our history, both nationally and internationally."
In addition to the colourful banners along Confederation Boulevard and the special Plaza Bridge exhibit beginning in early June, residents and visitors can already admire a tulip bed planted in the heart of the capital at Commissioners Park in honour of this important anniversary. Tulips will also bloom in Quebec City this spring, creating a symbolic link with Canada's Capital Region.
Bells Toll Across Canada The Société du 400e anniversaire de Québec and the NCC are inviting capital cities across Canada to sound their church bells in concert with those of Québec City on July 3, 2008 at 11 am, to mark the anniversary date of the founding of Québec by Samuel de Champlain in 1608.
About the Confederation Boulevard Banners In addition to commemorating the 400th anniversary of Québec City, Confederation Boulevard banners will showcase the flags and coats of arms of Canadian provinces and territories. The NCC initiated its annual Confederation Boulevard Banners Display in 1992, coinciding with Canada's 125th birthday celebrations and the development of Confederation Boulevard. Since 1992, the NCC has commemorated several important anniversaries in Canada's history. Most recently, the banners have commemorated the 400th anniversary of Acadia (2004), the Year of the Veteran and the centenaries of Alberta and Saskatchewan (2005), the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Museum of Civilization (2006), as well as the 150th anniversary of the choice of Ottawa as the Capital of Canada and the 175th anniversary of the Rideau Canal (2007).
About the National Capital Commission (NCC) The NCC is a Crown corporation whose mandate is to create pride and unity by making the Capital a meeting place for all Canadians and by using the Capital to communicate Canada to Canadians. The NCC takes great pride in developing and planning a Capital for future generations and in organizing and delivering large scale events such as the Canada Day celebrations in the Capital Region.
For more information about Confederation Boulevard or events and activities taking place in Canada's Capital Region, the public may contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 1 800 465-1867, 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1 866 661-3530 (toll free TTY)or visit the NCC's website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca.
About the Société du 400e anniversaire de Québec The Société du 400e anniversaire de Québec is an autonomous, non-profit organization that is financed by the Government of Québec, the City of Québec and the Government of Canada, and whose mandate is to coordinate and produce these celebrations. For more information about the 400th anniversary of Québec, the public may contact the Société du 400e anniversaire de Québec at 1-866-585-2008.
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