Early Days
Begun in 1995 by the National Capital Commission (NCC) under the general name of the Family Exchange Program, the objectives of the Celebrate Canada in the Capitals program are to foster a feeling of pride in Canada and to encourage Canadians to explore the rich culture and heritage of their country. In the beginning, the program enabled one randomly chosen family from each province and territory to visit Canada's Capital Region for five days during Winterlude, and twelve other families to travel to the Capital for Canada Day. During their stay, the winners were billeted with host families in the region, which added a friendly dimension to the program while giving participants a more connected exchange experience.

The Program Grows
In 1998, the Canadian Capital Cities Organization (CCCO) took over the program's management and, because of the excellent response to the Celebrate Canada in the Capitals program, it was extended to include more capitals as destinations. That same year, in collaboration with the Millennium Bureau of Canada, the CCCO and the NCC began preparations for the millennial program. It would involve all the Canadian capitals including Iqaluit, which became the capital of the new territory of Nunavut in 1999.

So, in 1998, 60 families won a trip to one of five participating capitals: Whitehorse, Victoria, Regina, Ottawa and Fredericton. That was the beginning of the program that was to become the CCCO's signature activity.

In 1999, nine capitals participated in the program: Whitehorse, Victoria, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Fredericton, Halifax and Charlottetown. Each capital hosted thirteen families — one from each province and territory (including Nunavut).

All Canadian Capitals Participate
For the year 2000, all 14 Canadian capitals hosted families from all over the country. The program was a great success. The schedule of activities enabled each capital to highlight its symbolic role as well as the culture, heritage and attractions of its region. The participants appreciated the tours of the capitals and the personal contacts with official representatives including premiers, lieutenant-governors, members of parliament, mayors and municipal councillors. They were also able to take full advantage of celebrations for Canada Day that took place in each of the capitals during their visits.