Minister Announces Christmas Lights Across Canada Ceremony

The annual Christmas tree lighting at Confederation Hill in St. John’s will take place tomorrow (Thursday, December 8) as part of the 2011 Christmas Lights Across Canada celebrations.

“With the flick of a switch, thousands of lights will glow from the Confederation Building and down the hill along Prince Philip Drive,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works. “This festive display helps mark the beginning of the holiday season here in the capital city, and contributes to the Christmas Lights Across Canada festivities.”

Christmas Lights Across Canada is an annual event held in capital cities across Canada and is a symbolic link between Canada’s provinces and territories.

More than 60,000 lights are part of the spectacular display in St. John’s that illuminates Confederation Hill and Prince Philip Drive each year during the holiday season. Through Charting Our Course: Climate Change Action Plan 2011, the Provincial Government recognizes the importance of leading by example in improving energy efficiency, and as part of this commitment, uses LED lights in this holiday display.

“I invite members of the public to dress for the weather and join us for this festive event of music and lights,” said Minister Hedderson.

This year’s event will begin at 6:15 p.m. and feature the Paradise Elementary Grade 3 Choir and the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Band. Refreshments will follow in the lobby of Confederation Building.

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Media contact:
Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca 

2011 12 07                     10:05 a.m.