Government of Canada Helps Groups in Quebec Honour Veterans

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 17, 2009) - The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, announced today federal government support for five projects in Quebec honouring Veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

L'Organisation Russophone de Montreal received funding for the 64th Gala of Victory Dinner. The Mountainview School received funding for the commemorative ceremony included in the 12th annual Pow Wow in Prevost. The Fondation du Regiment de la Chaudiere received funding for a commemorative event in Levis marking the 65th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. The College Stanislas received funding for commemorative events marking the 65th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. The Centennial Park Elementary School received funding for a commemorative wreath-laying event in Chateauguay.

"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."

"A number of schools and organizations throughout the province of Quebec are dedicated to promoting the legacy of our Canadian Veterans," said Minister Paradis. "By partnering with community groups in various commemorative events, the Government of Canada helps ensure that the extraordinary actions of our Veterans will always be remembered."

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 projects in Quebec. 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.