Ministry of Canadian Heritage Pledges $199,000 to Fund Canada 150 Celebrations in Mississauga

Today, Navdeep Bains, Member of Parliament (Mississauga – Malton), on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced $199,000 in funding for “Brilliance Together,” the City of Mississauga’s program that will mark Canada’s 150th Anniversary.

The funding will be used to support community initiatives designed to give over 25,000 Canadians opportunities to celebrate together, share their stories about being Canadian and understand the importance of Reconciliation with Indigenous communities.  As part of the Brilliance Together program, a national call to artists will be issued to commission a permanent public artwork at Mississauga Celebration Square. The piece will focus on the themes of diversity, inclusion and Reconciliation with Indigenous communities.

“Public art brings people together and will help enrich our growing, thriving and popular downtown core,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “This funding will go toward commissioning artwork that will have a permanent home at Celebration Square. Celebration Square is in the heart of Mississauga for a reason. It’s where residents come together to share and celebrate their culture for everyone to experience, appreciate and enjoy. This new artwork is another important way the City of Mississauga will recognize the 150th anniversary of our nation’s founding.”

“In 2017, Canada will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation,” said The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage. “This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all that it means to be Canadian. The Government of Canada will create opportunities for Canadians to participate in local, regional, and national celebrations. Communities across the country will proudly take part in the festivities throughout the year to mark this significant anniversary in Canada’s history. Join the celebration—it’s happening in your community too!”

The public art project will be unveiled in the fall of 2017 as part of the City’s year-long celebration to engage Canadians and newcomers on issues of identity, culture and the place of Indigenous peoples in contemporary society.

“The City of Mississauga is thrilled to receive this funding from the Ministry of Canadian Heritage,” said Paul Mitcham, Commissioner, Community Services, City of Mississauga.  “This legacy project will be the centre piece of the City’s year-long celebration of Canada’s 150th Anniversary.  We have a host of events and activities in store to commemorate our heritage and engage the community in celebrating this historic milestone.”

“Mississauga – Malton is an amazing example of the diversity and the inclusion that makes our country so great,” said The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Member of Parliament for Mississauga – Malton.  “I am very happy that these values will be showcased in our community through artwork as a lasting legacy of the 150th anniversary celebrations. I invite all local artists to submit their ideas as we collectively celebrate Canada.”

Mississauga residents will have an abundance of opportunities to learn more about their history, celebrate their heritage and develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be Canadian.

The City is also planning to:

• create digital presence for activities
• hold a launch and unveiling event at Mississauga Celebration Square
• host an event featuring Indigenous storytelling, celebration, and a walk
• erect an onsite video booth, with facilitator, to document Mississauga’s stories
• engage Canadians and newcomers on issues of identity and culture through public discussion forums, workshops and activities
• provide opportunities for over 25,000 Canadians to come together and celebrate shared culture and experiences.

Background
In 2017 Canada will be celebrating its 150th anniversary of Confederation. The Government of Canada is encouraging Canadians and Municipalities to celebrate in meaningful ways through programming that supports and promotes activities that align with the Canada 150 vision.  Highlights include:

• Giving Back to Canada: Canadians will be challenged to dream about what the future holds for the next 150 years, and to give back to our country, providing meaningful change and lasting legacies for future generations.
• Reconciliation with Aboriginal peoples, diversity and meaningful connections with residents.
• Honouring the Exceptional: Exceptional Canadian people, places, achievements and events will be showcased to help shape Canada’s leaders of tomorrow.
• Celebrating and Bringing Canadians Together: Canadians and their communities will have opportunities to celebrate together and build a deeper understanding of Canada, its people and what it means to be Canadian.
• Collaboration and the activation of public space
• Mississauga will create a Canada 150 legacy through collaborative programs and celebrations that are related to the overarching and inclusive theme of ‘Brilliance Together.’