The Canadian government will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge next April, to pay tribute to the Canadians who died in the pivotal fight during the First World War. The event will also honour the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele and the 75th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid, which occurred during the Second World War.

The day of commemoration will be held on Apr. 9, with special ceremonies at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France and the National War Memorial in Ottawa. Events will also be held in several major cities across Canada.

A Canadian delegation will be sent overseas for the ceremony in France, Veterans Affairs Canada announced in a statement on Thursday.

The federal government will also open a new visitor education centre at the memorial in France, to honour the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers.

Veterans Affairs Canada has committed $11 million to the effort.