Spectacular fireworks displays and performances across the country mark start of 2017 — and Canada’s 150th year
The Canadian Press | January 1, 2017 12:35 PM ET, http://news.nationalpost.com/n...d-canadas-150th-year
OTTAWA — A Canada Day tradition was being repurposed Saturday night to herald the start of Canada’s 150th year.
A massive fireworks display over Parliament Hill — usually reserved for July 1 — took place Saturday evening to mark the beginning of 2017 and a year-long birthday bash across the country. A kaleidoscope of colours cascaded behind the Parliament Buildings under a dark, overcast sky. Another display took place at midnight.
Revellers took in the festivities under snowy skies. Gov. Gen David Johnston, wearing a parka and toque, was on hand to help kick off a year of Canada 150 events and joined Heritage Minister Melanie Joly in relighting the centennial flame. Candles were distributed to onlookers.
Fireworks light up the sky behind the Peace Tower during a New Year's Eve celebration on Parliament Hill, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016 in Ottawa
Heritage Department spokesperson Katherine Cyr said the celebration in the capital is set to cost about $2.5 million, and was to include performances by Canadian artists Radio Radio, Brett Kissel and Carly Rae Jepsen.
Joly is in charge of more than $210 million being set aside for 150th anniversary projects and events planned for 2017.
Blaze Belaire (right) lights a torch of Olympic swimming gold medalist Penny Oleksiak during the Fire of Friendship relay of the New Year's Eve celebration on Parliament Hill, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016 in Ottawa.
More than three dozen national programs have received federal funding, ranging from history exhibits to a dance day being put on by Canada’s national ballet school.
A red leather couch is set to travel the country, beginning with a tour of the North in March and a journey from Newfoundland to B.C. in June and July, after organizers received $155,000 in federal dollars.
Ela Kinowska, the manager of the tour, said it will involve compiling stories shared on the piece of furniture from Canadians about what the country means to them.
“It is a very expensive operation to be in every province so what we get for that is the unifying factor,” she said. “It is a nation-building sofa.”
The federal government has also established a national infrastructure program to support renovation, expansion and improvement in community and cultural infrastructure.
The initial $150-million program was created by the previous Conservative government, which was accused of doling out much of the money to ridings represented by Conservative MPs ahead of the 2015 election.
The current Liberal government has added a further $150 million for more projects.
The prime minister used his New Year’s message released on Saturday to say that Canadians will use the 150th anniversary to honour past generations.
Justin Trudeau said his resolution for 2017 is to “stand against the politics of fear and division” and that he will focus on what brings people together.
Trudeau also took the opportunity to say that in 2016, his government cut taxes for the middle class and revamped the Canada Child Benefit.
In her New Year’s message to Canadians, the Queen reflected on how Canada has developed into a remarkable nation.
She said Canada has earned a reputation as a “welcoming, respectful and compassionate country.”
“Throughout the coming year, you will have the opportunity to remind the world of the importance of protecting those values and of passing them on to future generations,” said her message released late Saturday.
