Government of Canada Helps Groups in Manitoba Honour Veterans

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 17, 2009) - The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, announced today federal government support for three projects in Manitoba honouring Veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Maple Leaf School in Winnipeg received funding for "The Lest We Forget - Wall of Remembrance," a learning resource for elementary students. The Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping (L. Gen RR Crabbe Chapter) received funding for a commemorative ceremony in Winnipeg marking the 92nd anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The Joint Veterans Association of Manitoba received funding for the 13th annual memorial service and parade at Brookside Cemetery in Winnipeg.

"Our Veterans unite all Canadians as a source of pride. They help us remember why we are blessed to be Canadian and the values that Canada stands for: peace, freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law," said Minister Thompson. "This is why our Government continues to support communities and organizations as they honour their local military heroes."

"I congratulate these groups for engaging the communities of Manitoba in remembrance," said Minister Toews. "By providing people, especially our youth, with diverse learning resources and the opportunity to participate in remembrance activities, we ensure that the sacrifices and achievements of our Veterans are never forgotten."

The Government of Canada is providing $733,070 in funding to 50 community-led remembrance projects across the country through Veterans Affairs Canada's Community Engagement Partnership Fund. Applications to the Community Engagement Partnership Fund are accepted throughout the year. Non-profit groups, educational institutions and other organizations delivering remembrance activities and events may be eligible for funding.

Please visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca for a backgrounder on the project in Manitoba. Also visit the Web site or call 1-866-522-2122 to learn more about the Community Engagement Partnership Fund or to apply for funding.