CAMBRIDGE – The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister Responsible for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, joined by Minister of Heritage and Official Languages James Moore, announced the official route of the Olympic Winter Games Torch Relay today.

“These are Canada’s Games, and the Torch Relay will help showcase all of Canada to the world as it makes it way to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games,” said Minister Lunn. “The Relay will go to every province and territory, all thirteen capitals, in over 1,000 communities as it travels from Victoria, BC to the North Pole, to St John’s and back.”

“I am happy to announce, on behalf of the Government of Canada, that Cambridge will host the Olympic Torch on December 27, 2009,” said the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology) and Member of Parliament for Cambridge-North Dumfries. “Our Government is bringing the Olympic Torch to as many Canadians as possible with the promise to celebrate our community’s talents, history and contributions to Canada.”

The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will take place in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21.

The Olympic Torch will journey through 226 communities in Ontario.  To find out how to become an Olympic Torch Bearer, or to find out more about the Government of Canada’s contribution to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, please visit the website of the Games at www.Canada2010.gc.ca.