Message from Minister Moore

The War of 1812 was a defining moment in the history of our nation. As Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, I see daily reminders of how today’s Canada has been shaped by the event that we are commemorating—an event of both national and international significance.

If the war had ended differently, Quebec’s French-speaking identity would not exist, and the history of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples would have been profoundly altered.

Today we tell the stories of Canadian heroes to illustrate our history and values; many of these role models were people like Sir Isaac Brock, Tecumseh, Charles-Michel de Salaberry, and Laura Secord, who helped to defend our country during the conflict.

It took the combined efforts of these individuals, of English and French-speaking militias as well as Aboriginal Canadians, together with the British military forces, to succeed in defeating the American invasion.

These heroic efforts tell the story of today’s Canada—an independent and free country in a constitutional monarchy with its own parliamentary system.

I hope that you will enjoy your explorations of Canada’s history and heritage on this website. Drop by often!

I invite you to participate in all the activities and events that will take place in the coming months.