Harper Government Launches the Commemoration of The 200TH Anniversary of the War of 1812
October 12, 2011

WINNIPEG, October 12, 2011 – The Harper Government yesterday launched the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. This historical 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 boost tourism and strengthen our economy."

"The War of 1812 produced many great Canadian heroes who helped defend our country in a time of crisis," said the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport). "Our Government is proud to honour them and invest in our Canadian history."

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, exhibits, and improvements to national historic sites across the country; -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.

October 2012 will also be designated as a month of commemoration of the heroes and key battles of the War of 1812.

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 and the 100th anniversary of the Grey Cup in 2012, the 200th birthday of Sir John A. Macdonald in 2015, and the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 2017.

Fort Gibraltar, originally built at the forks of the Assiniboine and Red rivers in 1810, was a trading post for fur and pemmican for the North West Company. It played an important role in the development of the Red River Settlement and the conflict between the two fur trading empires: the North West and Hudson's Bay companies.

Details on planned activities will be made available on the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 website at www.1812.gc.ca.
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