WESTCOCK, NEW BRUNSWICK, September 25, 2005 -- On behalf of the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, MP for Beauséjour and Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, today unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating Sir Charles G.D. Roberts as a person of national historic significance.
"Considered as the Father of Canadian Literature', Sir Charles G.D. Roberts was recognized in his lifetime by peers, critics and the public as a major Canadian literary figure and continues to be seen as an important writer in Canada's literary history," said Minister Dion. "A poet, novelist and historian, Sir Roberts inspired a generation of writers and laid firm the foundations for a tradition of Canadian poetry."
Sir Roberts is regarded as the unofficial leader of the "Confederation Poets", the group also comprised of Bliss Carman, Archibald Lampman and Duncan Campbell Scott. The four poets are considered to be the first group of English-Canadian writers to articulate the growing sense of Canadian nationalism after 1867. Educated at the University of New Brunswick, Roberts lived throughout the Maritimes, New York, overseas, and finally resided in Toronto.
"Although Roberts left home early in his career, he returned to his beloved Tantramar frequently for visits," said Mr. LeBlanc. "Throughout his life and his writings, he drew inspiration from the scenes of the Tantramar region. His best works are imbued with the sense of place and constantly refer to the marshes and meadows by the sea'."
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment about the national historic significance of places, persons and events that have marked Canada's history. The placement of a commemorative plaque represents an official recognition of their historic value. It is one means of educating the public about the richness of our cultural heritage, which must be preserved for present and future generations.
Information:
Brigitte Caron
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Claude DeGrâce
Senior Advisor,
Historic Sites
Northern New Brunswick
Parks Canada
506) 851-3084
