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14 APRIL 2016
The St. Julian Memorial at Vancouver Corner, also known as “The Brooding Soldier”, commemorates the Canadian 1st Division in action on April 22 – 24, 1915. The Canadian division held its position on the left flank of the British Army after the German Army launched the first ever large-scale gas attack against two French divisions on the left of the Canadians. From the start of the battle at 17.00 hours on 22nd April and for the next few days the Canadians were involved in heavy fighting, losing some 2,000 casualties - killed, wounded or missing - from the division.
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rick Miller. The idea behind the title – a nod to the classic Charlie Chaplin movie – is that these artists have lit up cities through urban projects or playful street art. City Lights runs April 15 to August 28, 2016, at the MIMA, Henegouwenkaai 33, Brussels. For more information www.mimamuseum.eu. – flanderstoday.eu
VISIE 2050 The Flemish government has given its final approval to the long term vision plan for the region. Visie 2050 was launched in September last year, before being submitted to stakeholders for consideration. According to the government, Visie 2050 aims to create “a strong, social, open, resilient and international Flanders” that promotes wealth and welfare in “a smart, innovative and sustainable manner.” The updated version of the plan includes vision on social policy, the labor market and the inclusion of immigrants. It also nominates ministers who will appoint transition managers and map out the government’s strategy in various areas. Environment Minister Joke Schauvliege and Finance Minister Philippe Muyters will work together on the transition towards a circular economy that makes more efficient use of materials and energy. The two will be joined by MinisterPresident Geert Bourgeois in taking steps towards “industry 4.0” – a more digitalized industry that includes artificial intelligence, 3D printing and robotics. The Millenium Iconoclast Museum of Art (MIMA) is housed in the former Belle Vue breweries along the canal in Molenbeek, next to the trendy Meininger Hotel, which opened in 2013; it covers a massive 1,300 square-meters and eight exhibition halls across four floors. Muyters is set to team up with Education Minister Hilde Crevits on the subject of lifelong learning, while Bourgeois joins Housing Minister Liesbeth Homans on finding smarter ways of living. Health Care and Welfare Minister Jo Vandeurzen team up with Culture Minister Sven Gatz, while fast and safe mobility will become the domain of Minister Ben Weyts, who will work with Schauvliege. Finally, Minister Annemie Turtelboom will oversee the transition to sustainable energy. The next phase of Visie 2050 will work out a broad plan of approach that will establish a time-frame and generate public support for the program. The plans are also due to be submitted to the Flemish Parliament for approval. – flanderstoday.eu
Canada in Flanders: The Story of Canada in World War I
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eper’s In Flanders Fields Museum (IFFM) is staging a special exhibition highlighting the Canadian efforts in the First World War. The exhibition will focus on five personal stories of Canadian soldiers, and also boasts a number of special items, a documentary, music, a part about Flanders in Canada and a more detailed report on Canadian pilots. Running until July 3rd in the IFFM in the center of the West-Flemish city of Ieper, the exhibition covers 450 square meters. “The exhibition covers the Canadian presence in Belgium during the First World War, which saw almost 65,000 Canadians perish. Four out of
five of the Canadians that fell lost their lives between Ypres and the French border,” a press release states. The 100th anniversary of the Battle of Mount Sorrel in 1916 was the concrete occasion for this event. The Canadians suffered heavy losses at Mount Sorrel, but it would also be a turning point for Canadian troops. Annick Vandenbilcke made a major contribution to ‘Canada in Flanders’ and wanted to make things very concrete for visitors by telling personal accounts. “I went through all the personal stories of soldiers we have in our archives, eventually choosing five.” These five personal
histories will be highlighted. Annick Vandenbilcke told Flandersnews that the exhibition displays “a whole number of exceptional items” such as uniforms, helmets or badges and there is also a ring with a very particular story. The Name List will have a special Canadian version to remember the Canadian victims. Another interesting section will focus on the Canadian Air Force. First, they were part of the British Royal Air Force, but later on they had their own air force. Vandenbilcke says that the contacts she established with family and friends of perished Canadian soldiers were very warm. (flandersnews.be)
Some Highlights of the Canada in Flanders Exhibition: • Some history: the Canadians in Belgium between 1915 and 1919: enlistment, arrival • Who are the Canadians?: Returning to the roots of those who fought for the Canadian troops in Flanders Fields • John McCrae and his famous poem that gave its name to the Ieper museum • Daily life in the trenches (including many items) • Canadian pilots • Personal stories: Charles Samuel Bannell, Martin Enyon Garnon, James Rutherford, Alexander Mac Naughton and John McDonald Mowat • Many items such as badges, but also uniforms, helmets • Old pictures • Remembrance places: where are the Canadian war victims being remembered? The IFFM also launches three new “entrance points” into the area of the notorious Ypres Salient. Visitors can first watch a historic movie and next make a walk starting from each of these points. There are also information boards. Enthusiasts can also download a digital app via iTunes or Google Play.