In Gatineau, Heritage Minister Melanie Joly marked the occasion at the Canadian Museum of History with a ceremony filled with pomp: dancers, spoken-word artists, poets and other artists.

Across the country, Liberal MPs kicked off the countdown today that will culminate with the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

GATINEAU, Que. — Canada is 150 days away from the launch of a year-long celebration to mark its 150th anniversary.

Melanie Joly speaks at the 2016 Liberal Biennial Convention Winnipeg on May 27, 2016. (Photo: John Woods/CP)

Joly says she wants Canadians to work together to make 2017 a "historic" and "landmark" year that will leave a lasting legacy.

She says the aim is to get communities excited about the anniversary and encourage all Canadians to get involved in organizing activities in their communities.

$210-million budget

The federal government has budgeted $210 million for all projects and events related to the anniversary.

Following Wednesday's announcement detailing the inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women, Joly says she also hopes 2017 is a pivotal year in the renewed relationship with aboriginal people.

"We want to ensure that the next 150 years are much better than the last 150 years," she said.

Governor-General David Johnston said in a statement that 2017 will be a great year for the country — in addition to Canada's birthday, there will be the 50th anniversary of the Order of Canada and the 125th anniversary of the Stanley Cup.

The 150-day countdown comes to a close on Dec. 31, 2016, just in time for the new year.

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