1812: The Fight For Canada is the theme of a pan-Canadian poster contest for kids five through 18 in the Canada Day Poster Challenge.

“The Poster Challenge is a wonderful opportunity for our young people to express what Canada means to them,”  said James Moore, heritage minister, at the announcement of the contest. Entrants will create posters showing how people from different backgrounds and regions joined forces to fight for Canada during the War of 1812.

A national winner will be selected from the finalists from the 13 provinces and territories in four age categories.  The winning design will be featured in 2012 Celebrate Canada festivities.  The work of the 13 provincial and territorial finalists will be on display at the Canadian Children’s Museum in Gatineau, Que., from June through September.

Prizes will also be presented to the 52 winners.

Entry rules, entry forms and resources can be found on the Poster Challenge website.

The deadline for entries is March 9, 2012.