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Backgrounder November 8, 2005 Alberta's military history to come alive via Passchendaele film Province honours Alberta's veterans through centennial projects Calgary... Highlighting the province's proud military history is the focal point of a new film receiving funding as part of Alberta's centennial. The film, to be directed by Paul Gross, follows a Calgary soldier's experiences at home and on the front lines of World War I. It culminates at the battle of Passchendaele, considered by many to be a defining moment in Canada's military identity. Canadian soldiers successfully took the Belgian town in a 16-day offensive, after almost three months of allied fighting failed to make progress. Twenty thousand Canadian soldiers entered the offensive; 5,000 never came home. Nine Canadians were awarded the Victoria Cross. "The province's centennial is a time to recognize our past and tell our stories, including those about Alberta's military heritage," said Premier Ralph Klein. "We must work to keep our veterans' sacrifices in the forefront of our minds. The story of Passchendaele pays tribute to a key event in our country's history, and will educate Albertans and all Canadians for years to come." Passchendaele will be filmed in May and August in Calgary, around the Suffield Base and in Europe. The anticipated release date is November 11, 2006. The total cost of the project is over $16 million, with the Government of Alberta committing $5.5 million. "The Battle of Passchendaele was one of the great crucibles of the First World War in which thousands of Albertans took part. My grandfather was one of them," said Paul Gross. "His stories about the war have resonated throughout my life and it's our hope that Passchendaele will ignite a similar interest and justifiable pride in the grit and valour of all the Canadians who fought for their country." Four Alberta raised regiments fought at Passchendaele: the 10th Battalion (Calgary Highlanders) of the 2nd Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Division; the 31st Battalion (Alberta) of the 6th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division; the 49th Battalion (Edmonton) of the 7th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division; and the 50th Battalion (Alberta) of the 10th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division. The Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, at the time not based in Alberta, was part of the Canadian force. "I believe Canadians should understand the conditions that our veterans endured and the sacrifices they made," said General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff. "Any initiative that provides Canadians with insight into our proud military history is very important." As another lasting tribute to veterans, the Government of Alberta will be presenting a 14-karat gold centennial medallion and a special certificate to each Royal Canadian Legion across the province. - 30 - Attachment: Background information on Passchendaele and centennial medallions Media enquiries may be directed to: Jerry Bellikka Sheila O'Gorman Carol Chawrun Office of the Premier Triumphant Productions Director of Communications (780) 415-2417 (613) 232-8030 Alberta Community Development Cell: (780) 237-5509 Cell: (613) 294-2919 (780) 427-6530 Backgrounder November 8, 2005 Information about Passchendaele Passchendaele and World War I Canadian soldiers entered a stalled battleground and started their offensive on October 26, 1917. They seized Passchendaele from the enemy and held it until November 10, when reinforcements arrived. The epic battle was part of a larger strategy to defeat the enemy in Flanders. Story of Passchendaele Passchendaele is an historic movie that follows the life of Sergeant Michael Dunne, a soldier who is transferred from France during World War I to recover from injuries in a Calgary hospital. While recovering, he meets Sarah, whose family has also been affected by the war. Sergeant Dunne leads Sarah's reluctant brother David back into the gruesome battlefield in Passchendaele, Belgium. Biography of Paul Gross Paul Gross is one of Canada's most popular actors, internationally known for his role as Constable Benton Fraser on the multi award-winning drama series Due South. In 2000, Gross wrote, directed and starred in the feature film Men with Brooms, which was the highest-grossing English language Canadian film Due South. In 2000, Gross wrote, directed and starred in the feature film Men with Brooms, which was the highest-grossing English language Canadian film of the past 20 years. Mr. Gross is currently starring in the critically acclaimed series Slings & Arrows. In addition, he has amassed a number of stage, television and playwright credits throughout North America. Born in Calgary, Mr. Gross earned a degree in drama at the University of Alberta. Information about the 2005 Centennial Medallion Each Royal Canadian Legion in Alberta will receive a framed 14-kt gold medallion, struck in honour of Alberta's centennial. The medallions and a special certificate paying tribute to veterans will be delivered to Legions across the province in the coming weeks. - 30 - Media enquiries may be directed to: Sheila O'Gorman Carol Chawrun Triumphant Productions Director of Communications (613) 232-8030 Alberta Community Development Cell: (613) 294-2919 (780) 427-6530 To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000. 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