Canada Day Celebrations Centre Stage at Expo 2010 Shanghai

Shanghai, China, June 29, 2010 – The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced the program of celebrations for Canada Day, July 1, at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China. Capping a full week of performances and activities at the Canada Pavilion, Canada’s National Day will be celebrated all day throughout the Expo site.

“On Canada Day, Canadians around the world wear red and white proudly, fly the Canadian flag, and celebrate with friends and family. Canada Day at Expo 2010 is a unique opportunity for Canadians living in China, as well as visitors from around the world, to share in this special day,” said Minister Moore.

“I am honoured that Their Excellencies, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond accompanied by their daughter Marie-Éden, will lead the Canada Day celebrations at the Expo,” said Minister Moore. “This visit to China, the first by a Governor General in more than 15 years, will mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China and will highlight the strong bonds between our people and the importance of our relationship.”

Morning ceremonies

The day-long celebrations will begin with a protocol event, which will include an official flag raising and performance of the Canadian national anthem at the Expo Centre, followed by a speech from the Governor General and a special cultural performance. In the afternoon, the Governor General will visit the Canada Pavilion along with Canada’s Commissioner General.

Afternoon activities

The Government of Canada will organize special, family-friendly activities, including music, games and giveaways at the Canada Pavilion with the cooperation of the Montréal and Vancouver Pavilions as well as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. Visitors will be able to participate in a hockey demonstration and enjoy a photo exhibition of the “Faces of Canada.” The Crescent School for Boys choir from Toronto will sing the national anthem.

Evening celebrations

In the evening, the Canada Pavilion will present a spectacular Canadian cultural performance at the Expo Centre. In addition to a special appearance from performers from Cirque du Soleil’s Tokyo-based show ZED, the show will feature performances by the Acadian group, Grand Dérangement, Alberta’s pop and R&B singer, Kreesha Turner, British Columbia’s ambient rockers, Jets Overhead and the British Columbia Aboriginal Dance troupe, Dancers of Damelahamid. Throughout the week of Canada Day, these four Canadian performance groups will also be featured on the expo site for all visitors to enjoy.

About Expo 2010

Expo 2010 is the biggest exposition ever, with 242 countries and organizations participating. With the assistance of Cirque du Soleil, Canada has created a stunning pavilion that is a popular highlight of Expo 2010 and an excellent showcase for Canada's theme: “The Living City: inclusive, sustainable, creative.” On its way to surpassing its target of 5.5 million visitors, the Canada Pavilion is currently welcoming more than 30,000 guests per day. Close to 2 million Expo 2010 visitors have already experienced the Living City.

Expo 2010 affords Canada an opportunity to advance its foreign and trade policy goals, strengthen economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties with China, and shape and strengthen Canada's brand in China.

Canada's International Expositions Program, part of the Department of Canadian Heritage, is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing Canada's participation in international expositions sanctioned by the Bureau of International Expositions.

 For more information about Canada's participation in international expositions, please visit www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/progs/expo/index_e.cfm and www.expo2010canada.gc.ca.

For more information (media only), please contact:

Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca