Canada announces support for Rendez-vous 2017

Toronto: Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that the Government of Canada will provide support for the Rendez-vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta (Rendez-vous 2017), the first large-scale signature initiative of celebrations marking the 150^th anniversary of Canadian Confederation (Canada 150). He was joined by Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, Régis Labeaume, Mayor of Québec, and François Moreau, Chairman of the Board, Rendez-vous Naval de Québec.

A celebration of Canada’s seafaring culture, Rendez-vous 2017 will take place from June 29 to August 20, 2017, and will involve a full fleet of tall ships from around the world visiting several cities in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes.

The regatta of tall ships will help celebrate Canada 150 by bringing Canadians to cities, towns and villages along the St. Lawrence River and helping promote a greater understanding of these communities and of the vital role that this iconic Canadian waterway played in the creation and development of the country.  Activities such as ship tours, workshops, concerts and competitions will take place in the communities visited by the tall ships showcasing local and national culture and Canada’s proud maritime heritage.

The tall ships regatta will visit QuébecCity from July 19 to July 23, 2017. Over 3,000 tall ship crew members, mostly young cadets from around the globe, will have the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  They will also be able to learn more about how Québec City was one of the great ports and naval centres of the world, how it played a pivotal part in Canadian Confederation and that it is the cradle of the French language in North America. Activities will include music and dance performances and sporting events.

Rendez-vous 2017 is one of many upcoming high-impact, large-scale signature initiatives that our Government is supporting through the Canada 150 Fund.