The Government of Canada celebrates the official opening of the Canada Marine Discovery Centre and HMCS Haida National Historic Site of Canada

HAMILTON, July 17 - On behalf of the Honourable David Anderson, Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Tony Valeri, Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Hamilton East - Stoney Creek, today celebrated the official opening of the Canada Marine Discovery Centre and HMCS Haida National Historic Site of Canada. The ribbon-cutting ceremonies marked an exciting milestone in the history of both Parks Canada and the City of Hamilton.

"The Canada Marine Discovery Centre will share the stories of Canada's national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas, delivering Parks Canada's messages outside these boundaries", said Minister Valeri. "HMCS Haida, as one of our country's greatest historical treasures, will allow Canadians to learn more about our nations' naval history."

As a state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly, interactive facility, the Canada Marine Discovery Centre is an initiative that will not only contribute to the revitalization of the Hamilton waterfront, but will also allow Canadians to appreciate their natural and cultural heritage. The Canada Marine Discovery Centre features unique galleries and exhibits themed around Canada's vast marine environments. Visitors will learn about the nation's unique marine areas, from the Atlantic to the Arctic and down to the Great Lakes. Inside, there is a 65-seat theatre, four marine-themed galleries, a cyber café, a multi-use room and administrative office areas.

Known to be "magnificent in appearance, majestic in movement and menacing in disposition", HMCS Haida is the last of the Tribal Class destroyers and is one of two Royal Canadian Navy warships that survived the Second World War. Requiring a major overhaul, HMCS Haida was purchased by Parks Canada from the Province of Ontario in October 2002 and moved from her home in Toronto to St. Catharines, Ontario for restoration. The ship was then permanently relocated to Hamilton Harbour, Ontario, at her new home on Pier 9, on August 30, 2003.

The Canada Marine Discovery Centre opens to the public today, and will be open year-round, seven days a week, with summer hours from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is currently free. In cooperation with the Friends of HMCS Haida, a volunteer organization who have long supported the ship, HMCS Haida is now open to the public seven days a week from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for self-guided tours, until September 6, 2004. Admission is also free.

The Government of Canada is proud to add to Hamilton's flourishing waterfront. Both the Canada Marine Discovery Centre and HMCS Haida National Historic Site are showpieces for Hamiltonians and all Canadians to discover, enjoy and appreciate.