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Canadian Heritage

A Celebration for all Canadians!

In 2008, Québec City celebrates its 400th birthday!

The 400th anniversary of the founding of Québec City has Canada-wide significance. It is an extraordinary opportunity for all Canadians to celebrate the history of Québec City and of Canada.

The eyes of the world will be on Québec City, famed as a historic World Heritage Site and the cradle of French civilization in North America.

The celebrations are an opportunity to mark 400 years of unique historical and cultural heritage.

The Department of Canadian Heritage is proud to play a leading role in the preparations. As coordinator of the efforts of the Government of Canada for the 400th anniversary celebrations, the Department is working hard to ensure that the anniversary is celebrated in the manner it deserves and that Canadians will long cherish their memories of the celebrations.

On August 28, 2006, at an announcement regarding the celebrations of the 400th anniversary of Québec City, the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, said:

"Together our work demonstrates our desire to ensure that Québec City's and our country's future is as rich as its past. This is a celebration of national importance. And we invite citizens across Canada to celebrate with you."

Throughout all the festivities organized by the Société du 400e, the Government of Canada is committed to seeing that Québec City receives the attention it deserves, both nationally and internationally. It also wants Canadians to use the anniversary of the founding of Québec City to learn more about their past, celebrate their present and craft their future.

Multicultural Celebrations

Many festivities are being planned. They are intended to showcase 400 years of exchanges between First Nations, France, England, the United States and immigrants from around the world.

The year 2008 will feature major events such as the opening and closing ceremonies for the 400th anniversary, celebrations commemorating the arrival of Samuel de Champlain at Québec City, festivities from July 3 to 6, and much more.

Features

What's been done

  • Announcement of federal participation in the 400th anniversary celebrations of the founding of Québec City in 2008 by the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women (August 28, 2006)
  • Announcement of a contribution to the National Battlefields Commission for infrastructure upgrades for the 2008 celebrations (February 9, 2007)
  • Developing programming for 2008, in partnership with the Société du 400e
  • Official opening of the 400th anniversary celebrations (December 31, 2007)
  • Four days of events to mark the date of the anniversary of the founding of Québec City by Samuel de Champlain (July 3, 2008)
  • Closing ceremony of the 400th anniversary celebrations at the Sommet de la francophonie (October 19, 2008)

What will remain

  • A historical and cultural legacy for residents of Québec City
  • A lasting memory for the generations of today and tomorrow