The Department of Canadian Heritage was created on June 25, 1993, through the reorganization of the federal government. The Act to establish the Department of Canadian Heritage and to amend or repeal certain other acts was proclaimed on June 12, 1996. The Department's mission is to contribute to a more cohesive and creative Canada. We honour this commitment to Canadians by promoting the creation, dissemination and preservation of diverse Canadian cultural works, stories and symbols reflective of our past and expressive of our values and aspirations. To enhance the quality of our lives, Canadian Heritage fosters access to, and participation in, Canada's cultural life. The Department strengthens connections among Canadians and deepens understanding across diverse communities to ensure that all Canadians can participate in civic life. In Canada, we have developed a distinctive model of shared citizenship based on diversity, mutual accommodation, respect and responsibility; that is why Canadian Heritage promotes citizens' rights and responsibilities and fosters opportunities for all to participate in Canada's civic life.