Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario,– On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, launched the historical re-enactment of the Battle of Fort George. The re-enactment commemorates an epic battle honouring those whose lives were lost in battle over 200 years ago.

“The Battle of Fort George was a significant event for the families living in Niagara Township during the War of 1812,” said Minister Nicholson. “On this day two hundred years ago, British Regulars and the men of the Lincoln Militia fought one of the grimmest and bloodiest battle of their lives in order to stall an overwhelming enemy force. Their sacrifice on that day was key in stemming the American invasion, and set up events that would allow British and Canadian forces to cross the Niagara River and capture Fort Niagara in December of 1813.”

Parks Canada hosted thousands of Canadians to witness hundreds of re-enactors taking part in the re-enactment performance of the Battle of Fort George. The re-enactment commemorates a pivotal battle in the Niagara region during the War of 1812. U.S. forces used the fort as a base to invade the rest of Upper Canada and after a seven month occupation, the fort was recaptured in December of 1813 and remained in British hands for the remainder of the war. The defending force included British regulars from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles which included Scots, English and French Canadians as well as some Canadians of African heritage; the Royal Newfoundland Fencibles, and First Nations allies from the Grand River.

Parks Canada works to ensure Canada’s historic and natural heritage is protected and, through a network of 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas, invites Canadians and people from around the world to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery at our treasured natural and historic places.

For more information on the Battle of Fort George, please visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca.

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ontario,– The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced support for the Niagara Historical Society to commemorate the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812.

This investment will allow the organization to create a mobile version of the production “Flames of War,” enhanced by a virtual edition of the exhibition “Niagara on the Eve of War.” The production will tour throughout Canada in the summer and fall of 2013. To date, 32 communities across Canada have expressed interest in hosting the production and virtual exhibit.

“We are pleased to support the Niagara Historical Society as they move forward with this project that will bring the events of the War of 1812 to a wider audience,” said Minister Nicholson. “Now Canadians in communities across the country will now have an opportunity to see this production and learn more about this defining chapter in our history.”

“Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians,” said Minister Moore. “On the road to Canada’s 150^th birthday in 2017, let us celebrate all the things that make Canada the united, strong, and free country we are today.”

“We are very pleased to receive funding for this project. During the 2012 summer, this production was seen weekly at historic Fort George in Niagara on the Lake,” said Sarah Maloney, Managing Director and Curator for the Niagara Historical Society. “This year we have partnered with Parks Canada and the Flames of War production crew by adding an 1812 virtual exhibition to the show. This will provide us with the opportunity to offer the production and experience to communities across Eastern Canada!”

The Niagara Historical Society is a provincially incorporated, not-for-profit, charitable heritage institution located in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $150,000 to the Niagara Historical Society through Canadian Heritage’s 1812 Commemoration Fund. The Fund supports community-based projects to foster greater awareness and understanding of the importance of this conflict.

This support is in addition to a previous investment of $83,550 (2011–2012) to create the “Niagara on the Eve of War” exhibition for the Society’s museum.

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

Niagara Falls, Ontario – Across the country, community centres, cultural centres, ice rinks, swimming pools, and other community projects will soon be improved thanks to support from the Government of Canada’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

As part of the Government’s Economic Action Plan 2012, the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C, Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced $646,189 in federal funding for seven local projects under the Fund.

“Our Government is demonstrating its continued commitment to communities across Canada,” said Minister Nicholson. “Here in Niagara, these projects supported through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, will create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in our local communities.”

The Government of Canada is providing funding for the following local projects:

Through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, the Government of Canada has committed to supporting communities and creating jobs through repairs and improvements to existing community facilities over the next two years.