Harper Government Invests in the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of York

OTTAWA, April 26, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced support for the City of Toronto to commemorate the 200^th anniversary of the Battle of York.

"Two hundred years ago, British, Canadian, and First Nations defenders fought in the Battle of York, and their sacrifice deserves to be remembered," said Minister Moore. "Events that took place on April 27, 1813, didn't just touch York—they helped give shape to the Canada we know today."

The Battle of York was a battle of the War of 1812-1814 fought on April 27, 1813, at York (Toronto), Upper Canada, on the northwest shore of Lake Ontario. An American force supported by a naval flotilla landed on the lakeshore to the west, defeated the defending British, Canadian and First Nations forces, and captured the fort, town, and dockyard.

"The City of Toronto is pleased to partner with the Government of Canada on this historic day in Toronto," said Mayor Rob Ford. "Fort York National Historic Site is an important part of Toronto's and Canada's history."

"The War of 1812 was instrumental in the creation of Canada's military; many Canadian regiments today can trace their origins back to the war," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to honour all those who fought to repel the American invasion."

The Harper Government has provided nearly $200,000 to the City of Toronto to commemorate the Battle of York through various activities, including tomorrow's events at Fort York and programming at the Fort York Festival in June 2013. Funding is provided through the 1812 Commemoration Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage, which supports community-based projects to foster greater awareness and understanding of the importance of this conflict.

Visit 1812.gc.ca to learn more about the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage