Government of Canada Events 2011

11 January: Sir John A. Macdonald Day

Sir John A. Macdonald Day marks the birth, in 1815, of Sir John Alexander Macdonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada and one of the Fathers of Confederation.

Canadian Heritage
Tel.: 819-997-0055
Toll-free: 1-866-811-0055
TTY: 1-888-997-3123

26 January: International Customs Day

International Customs Day recognizes the efforts of the men and women working in customs organizations worldwide and marks their contribution to the security and prosperity of our communities.

Regional Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) offices

February: Black History Month

Black History Month celebrates the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians, who have made Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation we know today.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Tel.: 819-953-1970
Toll-free: 1-888-77-MULTI or 1-888-776-8584
Fax: 819-953-8751
E-mail: multi-canada@cic.gc.ca

6 -12 February: International Development Week (first full week of February)

International Development Week highlights the contributions of Canadians to international development and raises public awareness of the importance of these contributions to developing countries.

Canadian International Development Agency
Tel.: 819-997-2544
Toll-free: 1-800-230-6349
Fax: 819-953-6088
TTY: 819-953-5023
Toll free TTY: 1-800-331-5018
E-mail: sdi-idw@acdi-cida.gc.ca

15 February: National Flag of Canada Day

Canada's red and white maple leaf flag was first raised on 15 February 1965. National Flag of Canada Day is celebrated each year in commemoration of that event.

Canadian Heritage
Tel.: 819-994-1616
Fax: 819-997-8550
E-mail: CeremonialetSymboles_CeremonialandSymbols@pch.gc.ca

23 February: National Aviation Day

The first powered flight in Canada took place on 23 February 1909. National Aviation Day marks the anniversary of this event, honours Canadian accomplishments in civilian and military aviation and celebrates people who work or have worked in those fields.

Transport Canada General Aviation Branch
Tel.: 613-993-7284
Toll free: 1-800-305-2059
Fax: 613-957-4208
E-mail: services@tc.gc.ca

6 -12 March: International Women's Week (week that includes 8 March)
International Women's Week (IWW) focuses on women's contributions to the community as well as on their achievements and history.
Status of Women Canada
123 Slater Street, 10th floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1H9
Tel.: 613-995-3901
Fax: 613-943-2386
TTY: 613-996-1322
E-mail: communications@swc-cfc.gc.ca

8 March: International Women's Day

Established in 1977 by the United Nations, International Women's Day (IWD) provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made to advance women's equality, to assess the challenges facing women in contemporary society, to consider future steps to enhance the status of women and to celebrate the gains made in these areas.

Status of Women Canada
123 Slater Street, 10th floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1H9
Tel.: 613-995-7835
Fax: 613-943-2386
TTY: 613-996-1322
E-mail: communications@swc-cfc.gc.ca

14 March: Commonwealth Day (second Monday in March)

Commonwealth Day is observed every year by all Commonwealth countries to celebrate the Commonwealth's values and principles.

State Ceremonial and Canadian Symbols
Canadian Heritage
E-mail: CeremonialetSymboles_CeremonialandSymbols@pch.gc.ca

Canadian Heritage regional offices

20 March: Journée internationale de la Francophonie

The Journée internationale de la Francophonie celebrates the French language and the cultural diversity of French-speaking populations worldwide through various activities and events.

Line Lachapelle
Tel.: 613-992-1402
E-mail: line.lachapelle@international.gc.ca

21 March: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Established by the United Nations in 1966, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination raises public awareness of the issue of racism through various activities that take place across Canada.

Multiculturalism
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Toll-free: 1-888-776-8584
Fax: 819-953-8751
E-mail: march21mars@cic.gc.ca

9 April: National Day of Remembrance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

It was during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which took place on 9 April 1917,that Canadians fought together in a battle for the first time. This is considered by many to be a turning point in history and the beginning of Canada's march towards nationhood.

Veterans Affairs Canada

10 - 16 April: National Wildlife Week (week that includes 10 April)

Established in 1947, National Wildlife Week is celebrated during the week that includes 10 April, the birth date of the late Jack Miner, one of the founders of Canada's conservation movement.

Canadian Wildlife Federation
Tel.: 613-599-9594
Toll-free: 1-800-563-9453 (WILD)
Fax: 613-599-4428
E-mail: info@cwf-fcf.org

Environment Canada regional offices

10 - 16 April: National Victims of Crime Awareness Week (dates vary)

National Victims of Crime Awareness Week aims to increase public awareness of crime victims' needs, highlight advancements in victim issues and recognize the dedication of those who work to support and assist victims.

Policy Centre for Victim Issues
Department of Justice Canada
Fax: 613-952-1110
E-mail: victimsweek-semainedesvictimes@justice.gc.ca

28 April: National Day of Mourning

The National Day of Mourning is observed in remembrance of workers killed or injured in the workplace, or who have suffered from work-related illnesses.

Human Resources and Social Development
Toll free: 1-800-641-4049

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Toll-free: 1-800-668-4284
Fax: 905-572-4500
E-mail: renseignements@cchst.ca

(The Canadian Labour Congress also provides information on the National Day of Mourning. Please consult the Non-governmental Organization Events list.)

May: Asian Heritage Month

Asian Heritage Month acknowledges the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canadian society.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Tel.: 819-953-1970
Toll-free: 1-888-77-MULTI or 1-888-776-8584
Fax: 819-953-8751
E-mail: multi-canada@cic.gc.ca

1 - 7 May: Emergency Preparedness Week (first complete week of May)

Emergency Preparedness Week aims to increase public awareness of emergency preparation and management in Canada.

Public Safety Canada
Toll-free: 1-800-830-3118
Fax: 613-954-3111
TTY: 1-800-865-5667
E-mail: communications@ps.gc.ca
or info@GetPrepared.ca

9 - 15 May: National Mining Week (starts on the Monday of the second complete week of May)

First celebrated in 1996, National Mining Week recognizes the importance of the Canadian mining industry to the economic development of Canada.

Natural Resources Canada
Tel.: 613-947-6580
TTY: 613-996-4397
E-mail: info-mms@nrcan.gc.ca

9 -15 May: National Police Week (week that includes 15 May)

National Police Week pays tribute to the work of police officers across Canada.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
Public Relations
Tel.: 613-993-2999
Fax: 613-993-1095

Local RCMP detachments

25 May: National Missing Children's Day

National Missing Children's Day raises public awareness of the Canadian children who go missing each year, and highlights the success of the federal program Our Missing Children.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
National Missing Children Services
Tel.: 613-993-1525
Toll-free: 1-877-318-3576
Fax: 613-993-5430
E-mail: mcr.nps@bellnet.ca

25-28 May: Aboriginal Awareness Week

Aboriginal Awareness Week aims to increase awareness of Aboriginal cultures among public service employees.

Public Service Human Resources Management Agency of Canada
Bev Brown
Phone: 613-957-9840
Toll-free: 1-877-636-0656
Fax: 613-996-0518
E-mail: Bev.Brown@tbs-sct.gc.ca

5 June: Canadian Forces Day (first Sunday in June)

Canadian Forces Day honours members of the Canadian Forces and recognizes their contributions across Canada and abroad.

National Defence

Local Canadian Forces bases

5 - 11 June: Canadian Environment Week (week that includes 5 June)

Canadian Environment Week coincides each year with World Environment Day (5 June) and aims to raise public awareness of the environment and of the benefits linked to its protection. The week encourages and celebrates local community action.

Environment Canada
Isabelle Compagnon
Tel.: 819-953-6767
Toll-free: 1-800-668-6767
Fax: 819-953-8125
TTY: 819-994-0736
E-mail: enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca

8 June: Clean Air Day Canada (Wednesday of Canadian Environment Week)

Clean Air Day aims to increase public awareness of two key environmental priorities: clean air and climate change, as well as to encourage the public to take action in these sectors.

Environment Canada.
Isabelle Compagnon
Tel.: 819-953-6959
Toll-free: 1-800-668-6767
Fax: 819-953-8125
TTY: 819-994-0736
E-mail: enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca

8 June: World Oceans Day

First celebrated in 1992, World Oceans Day aims to raise public awareness of the beauty of oceans and of the need to protect our seas and coasts from pollution.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Tel.: 613-993-0999
Fax: 613-990-1866
TTY: 1-800-465-7735
E-mail: info@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

(Environment Canada, Parks Canada and the Canadian Museum of Nature also participate in the organization of World Oceans Day. The Canadian Wildlife Federation, Scouts Canada and the Canadian Association of Principals also sponsor this event.)

12 - 18 June: National Public Service Week (week ending third Saturday in June)

National Public Service Week recognizes the work of federal employees and aims to build pride in the public service of Canada.

Public Service Human Resources Management Agency of Canada
Tel.: 613-943-5522
Fax: 613-957-0151

21 June: National Aboriginal Day

Established in 1996, National Aboriginal Day encourages Canadians to recognize the diverse cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and highlights their contributions to the development of Canada.

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Toll-free: 1-800-567-9604
Fax: 1-866-817-3977
TTY: 1-866-553-0554

E-mail: InfoPubs@ainc-inac.gc.ca

23 June: National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism

National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism aims to denounce terrorism and honour the memory of its victims.

Public Safety Canada
Tel.: 613-944-4875
Toll free: 1-800-830-3118
Fax: 613-998-9589
E-mail: communications@ps.gc.ca

27 June: Canadian Multiculturalism Day

Canadian Multiculturalism Day celebrates Canada's cultural richness and diversity and the contributions made by various cultural groups and communities to Canadian society.

Multiculturalism
Canadian Heritage
Tel.: 819-953-1970
Toll-free: 1-866-811-0055
Fax: 819-997-0880
E-mail: info@pch.gc.ca
TTY: 1-888-997-3123

Canadian Heritage regional offices

1 July: Canada Day

Canada Day was established in 1879 under the name "Dominion Day" and became known by its current name in 1982. Canada Day encourages Canadians to celebrate their country. Since 1985, Canada Day Committees are established in each province and territory to plan, organize and coordinate the Canada Day celebrations locally.

State Ceremonial and Canadian Symbols
Canadian Heritage
E-mail: CeremonialetSymboles_CeremonialandSymbols@pch.gc.ca

Canadian Heritage regional offices

16 July: Canada's Parks Day (third Saturday in July)

Established in 1990, Canada's Parks Day showcases Canada's parks and historical sites through numerous events taking place throughout the country.

Laurie Collette
National Coordinator of Canada's Parks Day
Tel.: 705-652-5159
E-mail: lcollette@parks-parcs.ca

9 August: National Peacekeepers' Day

National Peacekeepers' Day honours and remembers all Canadian peacekeepers who have served or who are currently serving in peace keeping operations around the world.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Veterans Affairs Canada

15 August: National Acadian Day

National Acadian Day is a celebration of the Acadian people, who have contributed for centuries to Canada's economic growth and cultural and social vitality. It is also a day to learn about the rich historical and cultural heritage of Acadians.

Canadian Heritage
Tel.: 819-997-0055
Toll-free: 1-866-811-0055
TTY: 1-888-997-3123

3 September: Merchant Navy Veterans Day

Merchant Navy Veterans Day acknowledges the contributions of the veterans of the Merchant Navy who have served honourably and courageously to defend Canada, therefore ensuring the freedom and democracy enjoyed by Canadians.

Veterans Affairs Canada

October: Women's History Month

Since 1992, Women's History Month highlights the contributions of women to Canadian society and recognizes the achievements of women as a vital part of the Canadian heritage.

Status of Women Canada
123 Slater Street, 10th floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1H9

Tel.: 613-995-7835
Fax: 613-943-2386
TTY: 613-996-1322
E-mail: communications@swc-cfc.gc.ca

Regional offices

1 October: International Day of Older Persons

The International Day of Older Persons aims to foster international public awareness of the important social role of seniors in society and the benefits of intergenerational respect and support.

Division of Aging and Seniors
Public Health Agency of Canada

14 October: World Standards Day

World Standards Day aims to raise public awareness of the global importance of standardization activities and organizations.

Standards Council of Canada
Tel.: 613-238-3222
Fax: 613-569-7808
E-mail: info@scc.ca

14 - 24 October: National Science and Technology Week (dates vary)

National Science and Technology Week celebrates the importance of science and technology in our daily lives.

Natural Resources Canada
Claudette Pellikan
Tel.: 613-947-7660
Fax: 613-992-7373
E-mail: cpellika@NRCan.gc.ca

16 - 22 October: Small Business Week (third full week of October)

Small Business Week pays tribute to the contributions that small and medium-sized businesses make to the national economy.

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Dominique Carle
Phone: 514-283-0406
Toll-free: 1-888-463-6232
E-mail: dominique.carle@bdc.ca

Local BDC offices

17 - 23 October: Citizenship Week (third week of October)

Citizenship Week recognizes the value of immigration and citizenship and focuses on the rights, privileges, obligations and responsibilities of citizenship.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Toll-free: 1-888-242-2100

18 October: Persons Case Day

Since 1979, the Persons Case Day commemorates the recognition of women as persons under Canadian law. The Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case are presented on or around 18 October.

Status of Women Canada
123 Slater Street, 10th floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1H9
Tel.: 613-995-7835
Fax: 613-943-2386
TTY: 613-996-1322
E-mail: communications@swc-cfc.gc.ca

5 - 11 November: Veterans' Week

Veterans' Week encourages Canadians to pay tribute to Canada's veterans and to uphold the principles of peace and freedom for which they fought.

Veterans Affairs Canada
Toll-free: 1-866-522-2122
E-mail: information@vac-acc.gc.ca

14 - 21 November: Restorative Justice Week (third week of November)

Restorative Justice Week aims to promote awareness and increase conversation about restorative justice as a theory and practice.

Restorative Justice Division
Correctional Service Canada
Tel.: 613-947-7309
Fax: 613-943-2171
E-mail: restorativejustice@csc-scc.gc.ca

20 November: National Child Day

National Child Day celebrates two historic events for children: the adoption of the United Nations' Declaration on the Rights of the Child (1959) and Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).

Childhood and Youth Division
Health Canada
Tel.: 613-952-1220
Fax: 613-952-1556

20 November: Sir Wilfrid Laurier Day

Sir Wilfrid Laurier Day marks the birth, in 1841, of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the first Prime Minister of French descent.

Canadian Heritage
Tel.: 819-997-0055
Toll-free: 1-866-811-0055
TTY: 1-888-997-3123

6 December: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women coincides with the anniversary of the massacre of young women at the École Polytechnique de Montréal in 1989 and encourages Canadians to think about the results of deliberate acts of violence against women.

Status of Women Canada
123 Slater Street, 10th floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1H9
Tel.: 613-995-7835
Fax: 613-943-2386
TTY: 613-996-1322
E-mail: communications@swc-cfc.gc.ca