Commemorative plan leading up to Canada’s 150th birthday highlights war history

OTTAWA – Newly obtained documents show Canada’s official commemorative plan leading up to the country’s 150th birthday highlights an arsenal of battles and wars, a smattering of sports and a nod to the Arctic.

The coming throne speech is expected to trumpet some of the 23 milestones — and federal plans to mark them through 2017 — as part of an emphasis on celebrating Canadian pride.

There will be continuing efforts to mark the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the 150th anniversary of the Fenian Raids, the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War and the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Second World War.

The government’s Interdepartmental Commemorations Committee has also singled out the 200th anniversary of the birth of Sir John A. Macdonald and the 175th of Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s entry into the world.

The list also includes the 50th anniversary of the Canada Games, the 125th of the Stanley Cup and the 100th of both the National Hockey League and a Canadian expedition to the Arctic.

University of Ottawa history professor Michael Behiels says the list represents a traditional and exceptionally narrow approach.