Prime Minister Stephen Harper and James Moore, Minister of Industry, took part in a roundtable discussion with community representatives in Fort Langley on Monday afternoon.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss regional, historical and cultural considerations on how to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.
The meeting took place at Fort Langley National Historic Site. The former Hudson’s Bay Company fort was the first capital of British Columbia when it was named a British Crown colony in 1858. B.C. joined Canada in 1871.
“It is important as Canadians to mark the milestones that were defining moments in the evolution of our country. Our history is a uniting factor that citizens can draw strength from as we look confidently towards the future,” said Harper. “Today’s consultations provided us with a unique opportunity to further strengthen our nation as we reflect on our proud past and look forward to a more prosperous, free and secure Canada in 2017.”
On the Road to 2017, over the next four years, the federal government will commemorate a number of significant milestones that helped shape the country.
In 2014, commemorations will include the centennial of the start of the First World War and the 75th anniversary of the start of the Second World War. These anniversaries will provide opportunities to honour the sacrifices of those who served our country and improve the understanding of how these wars shaped Canada’s character as a nation.
In 2014, Canada will also mark the bicentennial of the birth of Sir George-Étienne Cartier, a key architect and Father of Confederation, and the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown and Quebec Conferences, which laid the foundations for Confederation and what would eventually become Canada in 1867.
The government has already taken steps to build a lasting legacy for the 150th anniversary of Confederation, including committing support for the construction of a permanent Visitor Centre at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and creating the new Canadian Museum of History.
The roundtable was part of the extensive consultations being held across the country to engage Canadians in planning for the 150th anniversary in 2017. In addition to roundtables, Canadians are invited to participate in the consultations through an online questionnaire at Canada.ca/150.
A list of the commemorations on the Road to 2017 can be found by visiting Canada.ca/150.