SPEAKING NOTES

FOR

MR GORD BROWN

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR LEEDS-GRENVILLE

ON BEHALF OF

THE HONOURABLE JIM PRENTICE

MINISTER OF THE ENVIRONMENT

AND

MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR PARKS CANADA

Canada’s Economic Action Plan in Action

Commemorating the Bicentennial ofthe War of 1812 with infrastructure investment at Fort Wellington NationalHistoric Site

PRESCOTT, Ontario

August 12, 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to be here today representing the Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada. Minister Prentice has asked me to convey his best regards and to tell you how proud he is of Parks Canada’s role as stewards of Canada’s treasured natural and historic places.

It is a tremendous pleasure for me to be here with you at Fort Wellington National Historic Site of Canada, in beautiful Prescott.

As a former member of the House of Commons Committee on Canadian Heritage, I have worked tirelessly to preserve and re-open heritage buildings and reinstate events that celebrate our agricultural and military heritage.

As such, I have been an outspoken advocate for National Historic Sites commemorating the War of 1812 and an advocate of Parks Canada’s commitment to protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada’s historical heritage.

I would also like to mention that the Government of Canada, led by the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, invests regularly in these protected sites to provide unique experiences to Canadians.

To further encourage Canadians to take advantage of their national parks and national historic sites, we have instituted a two-year freeze on admission fees at all parks and sites managed by Parks Canada.

We live in a country blessed with abundant natural beauty from coast to coast to coast and the Canadian journey through history is filled with fascinating stories.

I encourage you to take advantage of the fee freeze currently in effect to enhance your summer vacation, your next day-trip or to discover and enjoy unique treasures close to your home, treasures such as Fort Wellington National Historic Site.

Here at Fort Wellington, visitors are constantly reminded of the dramatic events of the War of 1812, a crucial turning point in our history that helped forge Canada’s identity.

Fort Wellington was built during the War of 1812 to defend the St. Lawrence River shipping route between Montreal and Kingston from possible attack by the United States, and was an important communications point during the conflict.

Since the end of the war, in 1814, and for almost two centuries now, Canada and the United States have shared what has often been referred to as “the world’s longest undefended border”.

We have jointly benefited from the peaceful flow of people and goods across that border, and the strong ties of family and friendship that have been forged between our two countries.

The peace, prosperity and friendship that we enjoy today however, have roots in struggle and sacrifice.

Between 1812 and 1814, Great Britain, its Canadian colonies and the Crown’s First Nations allies engaged in aconflict with the United States on land and at sea.

This was not a conflict in a far-off corner of the world; it took place on the soil on which we now stand.

As we are about to mark the bicentennial anniversary of this war, the Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that the events of the War of 1812 era are not forgotten, and that all Canadianswill have the opportunity to learn about and remember this critical chapter in our history.

Over the course of the next three years, while it prepares to celebrate the bicentennial of the War of 1812, this region can expect to receive more and more visitors.

A total of $12 million dollars has been allocated to national historic sites in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick commemorating the War of 1812.

I am delighted to announce today that our government is investing 2 million dollars as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to ensure that Fort Wellington is ready to commemorate the approaching War of 1812 Bicentennial.

The Government of Canada is pleased to provide this significant financial contribution as part of quick and effective implementation of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

This investment in infrastructure will provide opportunities for visitors to better understand the historic importance of the period and will ensure Fort Wellington is ready for an increase in visitation leading up to the bicentennial.

Many Canadians and visitors will become more aware of the colour and drama of Canadian history as a result of the approaching bicentennial commemorations, and will wish to visit important national historic sites where those dramatic events unfolded.

As Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville, it is with great pride that I can announce that this Government of Canada funding for the protection of our history and heritage under Canada’s Economic Action Plan is truly cause for celebration.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan is our government’s plan to stimulate our economy during the global recession.

This investment in infrastructure at Fort Wellington will provide opportunities for visitors to better understand the historic importance of the period and will ensure Fort Wellington is ready for an increase in visitation leading up to the bicentennial of the War of 1812.

Fort Wellington’s dedicated staff and volunteers do a superb job, and I congratulate you all.

Now, with this funding support from Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the national treasure to which you have devotedso much time, effort, and commitment will be more welcoming than ever.

I am proud to work with Prime Minister Harper’s Government, a government that understands the environmental, cultural and economic potential offered by our national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas.

The investment related to our history and heritage that I have announced today will help to ensure that our collective memory of the War of 1812 is kept alive for the benefit of all Canadians, now and in the future.

The stories lived here helped build Canada. Now they will not only be kept alive for future generations, they will be discovered, experienced and enjoyed by Canadian and foreign visitors every day.

Thank you.