Minister of State Lunn Celebrates Passage of Olympic Torch in Churchill

"All evidence shows that participation in the Olympic Torch Relay is already stirring up pride and enthusiasm," said Minister of State Lunn. "I am extremely pleased to be able to experience this moment with the community of Churchill, which has organized activities all weekend to celebrate the passage of the Olympic Flame."

"The Olympic Torch's cross-Canada journey is the longest within a single host country in Olympic history," added Minister of State Lunn. "This wonderful adventure gives us the privilege of sharing the spirit of the Games all across the country while highlighting our vitality and cultural diversity."

For more information on the Government's support for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay and the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, consult the attached backgrounder or visit www.Canada2010.gc.ca.

This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.

OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY AND THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA

The Government of Canada, a major financial partner of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, is committed to ensuring that the Games are a success and are managed prudently. It is also striving to maximize the investment of Canadians in the Games and in the Olympic Torch Relay.

Through its contribution and involvement in the Olympic Torch Relay, the Government of Canada is giving all Canadians from coast to coast to coast the opportunity to experience the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games by making them "Canada's Games." After making its way across the ocean from Greece to Victoria, British Columbia, the Flame-carried by 12 000 torchbearers-will travel 45 000 kilometres from coast to coast to coast.

The Olympic Torch Relay will last 106 days and bring together the entire country as Canada prepares to welcome the 2010 Winter Games.

Did you know..?

- The Government of Canada has invested $22.5 million to ensure that more Canadians can take part in the Olympic Torch Relay all across the country in order to celebrate the arrival of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

- The community of Churchill, as well as several other Manitoba communities, received grants from the Government of Canada to enhance its cultural programming so that Canadians this region could take part in an unforgettable ceremony and celebrate Canada's cultural diversity and rich history.

- The Government of Canada made a financial contribution to setting up the project for the official celebration communities' song. The song, written by world-renowned artist Gregory Charles, will be performed by local choirs in order to showcase local artists. This activity is a unique opportunity to rally Canadians across the country around a unique theme and to generate a sense of national pride.

- The Government of Canada will give Churchill a commemorative plaque to mark the passage of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch in this community. The Olympic Torch Relay route will be the longest domestic torch relay route in Olympic history, a legacy that will immortalize this moment in history for Canadians and citizens of the world for generations to come.

Government of Canada contributions to celebration communities in Manitoba:

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Date of Activity     Name of community    Contribution amount
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November 7, 2009              Thompson                $15,000
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November 8, 2009             Churchill                $15,000
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January 5, 2009              Steinbach                $12,000
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January 5, 2009               Winnipeg                $15,000
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January 7, 2009                Winkler                $15,000
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January 7, 2009     Portage la Prairie                $15,000
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January 8, 2009                Neepawa                 $8,392
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January 8, 2009                Brandon                $15,000
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media@pch.gc.ca