News Release

From Western Economic Diversification Canada

May 8, 2017 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Western Economic Diversification Canada

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, announced an investment of $142,000 towards the Trails of 1885 Association Inc. to launch a new website highlighting Francophone and Indigenous cultural centres and historical sites in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta.

Project activities included developing a marketing campaign, bilingual signage and marketing materials, as well as expanding the existing Trails of 1885 map.

This marketing initiative will help increase the number of visitors to these sites by promoting their place in Canadian history and marketing their story to a broader audience in preparation for Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation.

 

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is committed to help generate economic activity in Western Canada by increasing visitors to these important Francophone and Indigenous historic and cultural sites for significant milestone events like Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation and beyond. Canada’s heritage is shaped by our diversity, and it deserves to be celebrated and shared.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

“The Trails of 1885 Association is very thankful for the funding received through Western Economic Diversification Canada. This funding is instrumental in providing both French and English marketing opportunities and materials promoting the different sites, attractions, and events as well as telling the diverse stories of the different people and cultures we celebrate for our 150th Anniversary of Canada.”

– Celine Perillat, Chairperson, Board of Directors, Trails of 1885 Association

Quick Facts

  • The Trails of 1885 Association was created in 2007 to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the North-West Resistance in 2010. The Association has a membership of over 60 organizations from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, including provincial destination marketing organizations and national historic sites.
  • This project is funded by Western Economic Diversification Canada through its Economic Development Initiative program as part of the Roadmap for Canada’s Official Languages: 2013-2018: Education, Immigration and Communities.
  • This federal government commitment will ensure the vitality of bilingualism across Canada, enhance the vitality of official language minority communities, and promote the importance and benefits of our two official languages to our national identity.