Commemorating an Explosion that Marked Several Generations
The Government of Canada supports commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion
HALIFAX, July 20, 2018 /CNW/ - Today Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Democratic Institutions and Member of Parliament (Halifax), announced $950,000 in funding for projects related to the 100th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion. He made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism.
This support will enable the Halifax Regional Municipality to implement several projects commemorating this sad anniversary. The projects include the installation of bilingual commemorative markers, the creation of a mobile application and website, and the transformation of an existing memorial park to better explain this tragedy to local residents and visitors.
Canadians will be able to learn more about one of the country's worst disasters, an event that disrupted the lives of thousands of families over several generations. The Government of Canada is providing valuable support to the Halifax Regional Municipality in its efforts to raise awareness about this important chapter in our history?one that deserves to be told more than ever.
Quotes
"The 100th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion is a tragic event that had a profound impact on the history of our country for several generations. Our government is proud to participate to support organizations commemorating historic milestones like this one. I invite all Canadians to reflect on the exceptional courage shown by the people of the day as they dealt with this fateful blow and began to rebuild their beautiful city."
?The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
"This catastrophic event, the largest human-made explosion until the advent of the nuclear bomb, reduced a busy and active wartime Halifax into a mess of death and devastation. There were many heroes, first responders and individuals that gave early warnings and rescued countless people. We honour them all as we remember the incredible assistance that came from our fellow citizens and the international community. But despite the pain and trauma, Haligonians worked hard to rebuild this wonderful community, with courage and hope for the future. We are pleased that Canadians can learn more about what happened here and join us in celebrating the resilience and strength of Maritime Canadians."
?Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Democratic Institutions and Member of Parliament (Halifax)
"The tragic events of December 6, 1917, and the incredible resilience demonstrated in the days and months that followed, have helped define this city and its people. A century later, we continue to learn the lessons of our past and we are grateful for the support of Canadian Heritage in recognizing the significance of the Halifax Explosion. Together, through this project, we have created an enduring legacy for generations to come."
?Mike Savage, Mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality
Quick Facts
The Halifax Explosion occurred on December 6, 1917, when two ships?the Imo and the Mont-Blanc?collided in Halifax Harbour. The 2,750 tonnes of explosives detonated by the impact ravaged the city of Halifax, leaving nearly 2,000 people dead and 9,000 injured.
The Department of Canadian Heritage, through its Commemorate Canada program, is helping mark this anniversary by providing $450,000 for the installation of 12 commemorative bilingual markers throughout the municipality, as well as the creation of a mobile application and website. The panels, which were installed in the spring of 2018, relate the various stories of the disaster associated with each geographic region.
Canadian Heritage also allocated $500,000 to the commemorative project through its Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program. This funding was used to transform the existing Fort Needham Memorial Park, including renovating the Memorial Bell Tower, adding interpretation elements and implementing various redevelopment projects.
Canadian Heritage's Commemorate Canada program provides funding to projects or activities that commemorate and celebrate historical figures, places, events and accomplishments of national significance, such as the 100th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion.
The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program allows local groups to celebrate their community's history and heritage.
The Government of Canada has designated the Halifax Explosion a national historic event.
Related Products
Installation of Halifax Explosion 100th anniversary commemorative markers
Associated Links
2017 ? Anniversaries of significance in Canada
Images and Media
View of Halifax after the explosion
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
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