WINNIPEG, May 26, 2017 - Today, Charlotte Bell, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and Doug Eyolfson, Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia-Headingley officially unveiled a Canada 150 3D public art installation in Assiniboine Park at the Pavilion. This is one of 19 signs that will be on display across Canada as part of the Sesquicentennial celebrations.

This iconic national project is being led by TIAC, the voice of Canada's tourism industry, as a way to enhance the tourism experience across the country as part of the Canada 150 celebrations. The project is being funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage.

These gathering places will be marked by large illuminated 3D public art installations spelling out C-A-N-A-D-A-1-5-0.  This is a unique national project that will span markets from coast to coast to coast and bring Canadians and visitors together across the country to celebrate this historic national milestone, creating memorable experiences and sharing unique mementos through photos and social media. Leading up to Canada Day celebrations, these public art sculptures will enhance the Canada 150 experience by creating a series of gathering places in major urban centres and iconic tourism destinations across the country to anchor Canada 150 activities and festivities by generating social media engagement and storytelling.

"During this memorable year, Canadians will have the opportunity to experience these bold Canada 150 art installations in cities across our country—a bright and beautiful way to celebrate and show our pride. I encourage Canadians of all ages to create once-in-a-generation memories by taking photos, sharing stories and coming together to celebrate what makes our country a great place to live," said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

"Our province abounds in beautiful places and this Canada 150 3D sign highlights one of the jewels of our city: Assiniboine Park," said Doug Eyolfson, Member of Parliament, Charleswood-St.James-Assiniboia-Headingley. "The Government of Canada is pleased to support projects and activities that showcase our unique and dynamic communities. I invite all Canadians to come visit us and discover our beautiful city in 2017 - participate, celebrate and explore!"

"TIAC is proud to partner with the Government of Canada and the Department of Canadian Heritage to provide destinations across Canada with appealing art installations celebrating Canada's 150th anniversary" said Charlotte Bell. "Through this initiative, we look forward to creating memories and unique keepsakes of this momentous event in Canadian history that will no doubt be widely shared on social media as positive and powerful images of Canada's natural beauty, tourist appeal and the diversity of our great nation." added Bell.

The tourism and travel sector is a key contributor to Canada's economy:

• Travel is a $91.6 Billion sector in Canada
• 1 out of every 11 jobs in Canada is directly involved with travellers
• Tourism is Canada's largest service export in Canada with $17.2 billion

"We are honoured to participate in marking our country's sesquicentennial by hosting the Canada 150 landmark here at Assiniboine Park – one of Manitoba's premier tourist attractions," said Bruce Keats, Chief Operations Officer at Assiniboine Park Conservancy. "This will be a wonderful opportunity for Manitobans and tourists alike to create memorable experiences and share their stories as we celebrate our nation's collective and diverse history together."

TIAC believes that the opportunity to bring Canadians and visitors together in celebration of our history will underscore both our sense of pride as Canadians as well as our inclusiveness as a nation as we welcome visitors from all corners of Canada and the globe to join in our celebrations.

"TIAC wishes to thank the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage for her leadership and support in creating this unique initiative in celebration of Canada's sesquicentennial. We also wish to recognize the ongoing support for the tourism industry given by the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism, who tirelessly champions our industry" concluded Bell.

The Canada 150 3D sign installation measures 36 feet long and stands 6 feet high and will remain on display until the end of 2017.

For more information about the Canada 150 sign search the #3DCanada150 hashtag or follow TIAC on Facebook or Twitter.

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About the Tourism Industry Association of Canada

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is the only national organization representing the full cross-section of Canada's $91.6 billion tourism industry. TIAC's members include air and passenger rail services, airport authorities, local and provincial destination authorities, hotels, attractions and tour operators.