Women to be Commemorated for Second World War Contributions
News Release
Funding supports “A Woman on the Waterfront” monument in Halifax
The Volunteers/Les Bénévoles Figures (Photo by Bruce Bottomley)
November 13, 2017– Halifax, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
All Canadians deserve to see themselves reflected in the communities they live in and contribute to every day.
Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax, today announced an investment of $125,000 for the Halifax Women’s History Society (HWHS) to erect a monument entitled The Volunteers/Les Bénévoles on the Halifax Waterfront. The monument honours the work of the thousands of women and girls who volunteered their time and labour during wartime.
The HWHS was formed in 2013 by a group of women concerned about the visibility of women in the documentary and visual record of Halifax. In Halifax, there are fewer than a dozen statues that show women out of approximately 280 found throughout the city. The Volunteers/Les Bénévoles monument, which features three bronze figures commemorating Halifax women and girls, will be installed near the walkway between the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market and the Halifax Port Authority Administration building.
Today’s announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
This project is being partly funded through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150). Funding in Atlantic Canada is delivered through ACOA. These investments, to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, will help create jobs, boost economic activity, strengthen communities and celebrate Canada’s rich heritage and history.
Quotes
“These investments are community-building projects to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. And there’s no better way to mark this milestone than to celebrate the places that bring us together—the places that allow us to stay fit, unwind and connect with our friends and neighbours. That’s how we establish the bonds of common understanding and friendship in a country where people come from every corner of the world. The values of openness, diversity and inclusion that define all Canadians are forged in our community spaces.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Every day, people in Halifax benefit from the contributions women have made to our communities, yet far too often these contributions are uncredited or taken for granted. It is high time that we see the accomplishments of women in Halifax celebrated in the spaces that shape our city, like the waterfront. I want to thank and congratulate the volunteers who raised the funds to bring The Volunteers/Les Bénévoles monument to Halifax.”
- Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Democratic Institutions
Quick Facts
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CIP 150 is designed to leave a lasting legacy by supporting the rehabilitation or improvement of existing community infrastructure assets and facilities across the country that promote community and cultural benefits for the public.
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Infrastructure investments are a proven, effective means of boosting economic activity and enhancing the quality of life for Canadian families.
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Projects supported by the program are chosen based on assessment criteria including construction-readiness and public benefit, the extent to which funding is leveraged from other sources and linkages to Canada 150.
Contacts
Breton Cousins
Legislative Assistant
613-294-7598
Andy.Fillmore.A1@parl.gc.ca
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
alex.smith@canada.ca
Dr. Janet Guildford
Chair, Halifax Women’s Society
902-454-5200
janetguildford@gmail.com