OTTAWA, March 24, 2004 -- The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment, today announced five new designations commemorating four places and one event of national historic significance to Canada. "These new designations offer very special opportunities for Canadians to better understand and celebrate our history," said Minister Dion. "From Lucy Maud Montgomery's Cavendish, which played such a role in her remarkable story of Anne of Green Gables, to the Lions Gate Bridge, whose elegant design incorporated the latest engineering developments of its day, these national historic sites and this event symbolize the great and diverse heritage that we all share as Canadians." On the recommendation of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Minister Dion designated four unique places and one event to be of national historic significance to Canadians. The designations are part of the Government of Canada's ongoing efforts to preserve and present the nation's special places, and recognize the people and events that have shaped the country. They help Canadians to understand and appreciate Canada's unique history and culture, and also create learning and tourism opportunities that support regional economic development. One of the Government's key objectives is to build on the strong foundation of our past to continually improve the system of national historic sites of Canada, thus ensuring that it truly reflects the diversity of our nation and fully represents the manifold of our history. "With the designation of Notre-Dame-de-la-Présentation, we recognize the importance of a great era of religious painting in the country and the artistic talent of Ozias Leduc," added Minister Dion. "This year, we are also commemorating the abolition movement in British North America and its role in the international movement to abolish slavery. We are also recognizing Aisinai'pi as one the most important sites in the sacred lands of the Niitsitapi or Blackfoot People." The need to maintain partnerships, often informal ones, is crucial to enhancing the system of national historic sites of Canada. This is reflected in the Government's Historic Places Initiative and the Commercial Heritage Properties Incentive Fund, both of which depend on collaboration and partnerships. The ongoing involvement of individual citizens and heritage stakeholders are also essential. Today's designations include: National Historic Sites of Canada Notre-Dame-de-la-Présentation (Shawinigan-Sud, Quebec) Lions Gate Bridge (Vancouver, British Columbia) Aisinai'pi (Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, Alberta) L.M. Montgomery's Cavendish (Cavendish, Prince Edward Island) National Historic Event The Abolition Movement in British North America (Chatham, Ontario) Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Government of Canada regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada's history. - 30 - For further information : André Lamarre Director of Communications Office of the Minister of the Environment (819) 997-1441 Michel Audy Executive Secretary Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (819) 997-0129
