MANNVILLE, AB - Organizations wishing to apply for funding to plan Celebrate Canada 2012 activities may submit applications starting today, and up until January 16, 2012.

The Government of Canada provides financial assistance for activities organized during the Celebrate Canada period, from June 21 to July 1. These activities celebrate National Aboriginal Day on June 21, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day on June 24, Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27, and Canada Day on July 1.

"I am proud to be part of a government which understands the importance of celebrating this great country of ours. I commend all constituents who take the time effort to help organize events to celebrate who we are as Canadians,” said Vegreville-Wainwright MP Leon Benoit.

Eligible recipients for funding include Canadian not-for-profit organizations; unincorporated associations; Canadian businesses organizing projects of a non-commercial nature; Canadian educational institutions and municipal governments; and other municipal, provincial or territorial institutions.

The funding application form and detailed information about application requirements and eligible expenses are available on the Celebrate Canada website under the How to obtain funding tab.

The Department will accept applications mailed (postmarked) or delivered to a Canadian Heritage regional office by Monday, January 16, 2012. Applications postmarked or delivered after this date will not be accepted.

For more information about Celebrate Canada and its four days of festivities, visit http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/canada.