How much anniversary funding can we expect from Ottawa?

By Percy Downe
Commentary as published in The Guardian June 16, 2012

For the last number of decades, the Government of Canada has financed major events across our country that have significant historical importance. The current Conservative government has continued this initiative by financially supporting the anniversary of the War of 1812 ($28 million), the 400th anniversary of the founding of Cupids in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2010 (amounting to a per capita contribution of $5,400 for a community of 790 people) and the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City ($120 million).

Given the significant financial support that these other events have received - particularly the Anniversary of Quebec City - I was surprised by the response of Heritage Minister James Moore to a report in The Guardian that P.E.I.'s anticipation of $30 million for the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference might be an ambitious figure.

Given the historical significance of the Charlottetown Conference, it is not unreasonable to expect that the federal funding level for the 150th anniversary will be closer by comparison to the $120 million received by Quebec for its anniversary celebration than the $28 million allotted for the War of 1812 bicentennial. For the heritage minister to suggest otherwise is, above all, an insult to a milestone of such importance in Canadian history. For the heritage minister to suggest otherwise in the name of fiscal restraint is, given the lavish expense for other celebrations at a time of government austerity, an insult to Islanders. If the federal government has been so generous in commemorating other events, why would the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference be any less deserving?

As Canadians prepare to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference in 2014, Prince Edward Islanders should not assume that a financial contribution comparable to what was received by Quebec City of over $100 million from the Government of Canada is unrealistic.

Canadians may question the appropriateness of spending such large amounts of money on anniversaries in the current economic climate, but when these funds are spent on infrastructure, they create jobs and leave a permanent benefit for residents. Canadians still use the parks and other facilities built in honour of Canada's Centennial in 1967, and continue to flock to the Confederation Centre of the Arts that was built to mark the 100th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference. Far beyond concerts or fireworks displays, such funding provides a lasting legacy to communities that will serve as a tangible reminder of our Canadian heritage.

For example, in the case of Cupids, the community invested in building The Cupids Legacy Centre, an interactive museum that pays tribute to Cupids' place in history as the oldest continuously occupied English settlement in Canada. The centre also contains multi-purpose space that can be used for events and celebrations and has proven to be of great benefit to the entire community.

The fundamental importance of the Charlottetown Conference in Canadian history cannot be overstated. Intended as a venue to discuss Maritime union, the conference instead became more ambitious, bringing in Upper and Lower Canada, leading to the formation of our country and earning Prince Edward Island the title 'Cradle of Confederation'. To celebrate the accomplishment that was Confederation, one has to recognize the key role played by the Charlottetown Conference, and as we approach its 150th anniversary, we need to reflect and discuss how we are to commemorate it in a manner befitting its importance.

Recently in his column, the managing editor of The Guardian, Gary MacDougall, wrote:

"The question needs to be asked, is 2014 just a golden sentimental opportunity to hawk the province and its charms to tourists; to make a big fuss and ensure a banner tourism season, like the ones we used to enjoy? Or is it a special moment in time, an opportunity to mark one of this country's most historic moments and P.E.I.'s place in it? ...The thought that today's generation has neither the interest nor the foresight to think of a lasting legacy for the 150th anniversary is disheartening. It seems our ability to dream is caught up in an economic straitjacket."

Good question - and to date - no answer.

Whatever the level of federal funding allocated to celebrate the Charlottetown Conference - there being no question that millions of dollars in federal funding will be budgeted for this purpose - I hope that this information can inspire imaginative discussions over how we can utilize the funding to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference in a way that has a lasting and positive impact on our community, for both the benefit of current and future generations of Islanders and Canadians alike.

Percy Downe is a senator from Charlottetown.