Canada's Heritage Day--Who Knew?

AND WHO KNOWS??

Dose the Tourism Industry support cultural tourism? Has the industry missed an opportunity to get behind Canada’s Heritage Day? If one listens to the media, you would not know this is Canada’s Heritage Day.

It would appear the media are either poorly informed, or wish to dwell only on the "whines" about who is not getting the day off. It would appear the Media have missed the original intent with the creation of the 3rd Monday in February as Canada's Heritage Day. Canada’s Heritage day I believe is an expansion of FLAG DAY on February 15.

The Canada Heritage Foundation have actually developed a theme for today February 18, “Work that Endures, Careers in Built Heritage”, http://www.heritagecanada.org/eng/h_day.html, along with a 43 page PDF supporting contributors from various trades, professions, and volunteers. Again, WHO KNEW? It is worth checking out as there are great human interest stories.

There is a second possibility for the lack of publicity and information on Canada’s Heritage Day! Those responsible for the communication and distribution of relevant materials are not doing their jobs.

Whichever the case, we as Canadians are losing an opportunity to celebrate our culture and heritage.

According to the Federal Government press release on Friday February 15 2008, “February 15 marks the day, in 1965, when our red and white maple leaf flag was first raised over Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, and in hundreds of communities across Canada. To mark this important day, the National Flag of Canada Day poster has been distributed to public libraries and schools throughout the country.” The Department of Canadian Heritage is responsible for coordinating a variety of events ranging from state ceremonies, such as Royal Visits, to national celebrations and commemorations. It is also responsible for the promotion and protection of our national symbols. BUT WHAT ARE THEY DOING—IS THERE A LIST OF EVENTS, ACTIVITIES SURROUNDING THIS DAY? Or CANADA’S HERITAGE DAY….Not really!! There is a list of events, however February 18, is missing from the Government and Non Government agency lists See National Events List 2008. http://www.gc.ca/whats-quoi/nel_fg-eng.html

Manitoba Louis Riel Day

Canada's Heritage Day, which appears to have evolved from “Flag Day”, has been expanded by several provinces into Family Day, or Louis Riel Day in Manitoba.....Perhaps Manitoba is the only Province that has got it right and is delving into the origins of the history of the Province....expanding on the theme of the history of one of Canada's former leaders, and focusing on a significant part of Canada's History. The title of the day in fact makes one curious and might motivate further exploration.

Ontario Heritage Week

Ontario has expanded Heritage Day by creating Heritage Week where a variety of Events are listed by community on the Heritage Trust website, Community Events and Activities 2008 many which take place today Family Day.

In trying to stimulate tourism demand north of Toronto I have issued a press release, with a list of events taking place today and throughout the week with links to the Heritage Trust site. See Family Day Signals the Start To Ontario Heritage Week However this is a mere drop of our rich cultural heritage that should be at the forefront of Family Day activities and media interest.

Where is Canada’s Heritage Day today?? Try to find some meaningful press on this subject on this day. It is being all but ignored.

As a believer that culture is a major demand generator to optimize tourist visits, we must look at an expanded communication and promotion program for Heritage Day in the future.

Photo Credit. Simcoe County Museum--Near Barrie, Minesing Ontario: Snowshoeing Experience Part of Family Day and Canada's Heritage Day, Ontario Heritage Week.