The 136th CNE has opened with speeches by several members of government. This year’s Ex will mark the 100th anniversary of World War 1 in 1914. It is a sombre event, even a century later. A tiny population of seven million citizens saw 68,000 soldiers and sailors die in the four year conflict. But the CNE this year will focus on the contribution of Canadians to the war effort and the new identity the country gained through the efforts of its men and women. The federal government was represented at the opening today by Peter Van Loan, government leader in the Commons and member for York Simcoe. He was followed by Han Dong, the newly-elected Liberal member of the Legislature for Trinity Spadina, the riding in which the exhibition grounds are located. finally, the opening ceremony heard from Mayor Rob Ford. he reflected on the enormous economic contribution the Ex makes to the City’s economy and social life. Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly made a moving speech about events on opening day 1914 noting how young men had “shivered in tents waiting eagerly to go to war.”
