REMEMBERING THE CANAL WORKERS - PART 2 - WREATH LAYING

The Celtic Cross is set beside the Ottawa Lockstation which is the first lockstation of the Rideau Canal. Below is the base of the Cross and the insciption to the Irish workers.






On April 28 they had a wreath laying ceremony for the Irish Immigrants who lost their lives building the Rideau Canal. This the 175th Anniversary of the Canal and the foundation of Bytown. Bytown was named after Colonel John By who was in charge of building the canal. Many people settled in the area after the canal was finished and Bytown was later renamed Ottawa. In 1857 Ottawa was chosen by Queen Victoria to be the Capital of Canada.

REMEMBERING THE CANAL WORKERS - PART 1 - CONCERT

Kevin Dooley is one of the main organizers of the event.


On April 21, a concert was held by the Irish Community of Ottawa at the Dominion-Chalmers United Church to honour the memory of those who lost their lives while building the Rideau Canal. As 2007 marks the 175 th Anniversary of the Rideau Canal, it is important to remember it's beginnings and all those who helped build it. It is estimated about 1000 Irish Immigrants died while building it.

EARTH DAY 2007 - RALLY AND PROTEST ON THE HILL

Above and below, Paul Dewar, NDP MP posts the phone number to Stephan Harper's office for the crowd to see and then tries to call him from his cell phone.

The Canadian Youth Climate Coalition held a Protest, Rally and Celebration on April 22 on Parliament Hill with politicians from the Liberal, NDP and Green Parties. They wanted to let the Minority Conservative Government and Prime Minister Stephan Harper that they do not think the government is doing enough to deal with climate change and to deal with the Kyoto Accord. Placards, banners, a green Maple Leaf Flag, speeches, Aboriginal Drumming and music all made up for a beautiful sunny day to get there point across.

JAZZ FESTIVAL CONCERT - THE GREAT SALIF KEITA

Long line-ups outside the Dominion-Chalmers United Church where some people showed up hours before the show to get the best seats.
Salif Keita who was born into the Royal Family of the West African city of Mali. He was shunned by his family as a child because he was born an albino which is supposed to be bad luck and further shunned when he showed an interest in music.

The set list taped to the floor where each member of the band played.


Ottawa Jazz Festival presented the Golden Voice of Mali at the Dominion-Chalmers United Church on April 23. A sold out and very appreciative crowd saw an umbelievable concert for one of Mali's best known and loved singers.http://www.ottawajazzfestival.com, http://www.salifkeita.artistes.universalmusic.fr