OTTAWA, October 26, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today stated that the Government of Canada supports the creation of a monument to honour Canadian firefighters. The Minister also confirmed that the National Capital Commission has reserved a site in the LeBreton Flats area for the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation (CFFF), who will work towards the creation of this memorial. This location has historic significance as a result of the Great Fire of Ottawa, in 1900."By supporting this project of national scope, the Government of Canada recognizes the extraordinary contribution of firefighters who make tremendous sacrifices to protect and save the lives of their fellow citizens," said Minister Frulla. "I am proud that this high-profile location has been reserved for a monument to commemorate the invaluable contribution of these brave women and men.""I am proud to share in this moment," said Françoise Boivin, Member of Parliament (Gatineau). "It is wonderful to see that all the time and hard work that has been invested by the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation has resulted in this announcement and recognition for all firefighters and especially those who have given the ultimate sacrifice." "We are extremely pleased to have gained recognition of and support for the creation of the Canadian Firefighters Memorial which has been in the planning stages with the National Capital Commission for some time," said Dr. William Brooks, President of the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation.The prestigious location, on the south side of Wellington Street in the LeBreton Flats area, is suitable not only because of its geographic importance as a gateway to Confederation Boulevard, but also for its proximity to the Parliamentary Precinct. The site also has a strong historical link to firefighters as a result of the Great Fire of Ottawa that occurred at LeBreton Flats in 1900. The site will be a suitable and respectful place for remembrance and will accommodate public gatherings. The site will be reserved for a period of three years to provide the CFFF with an opportunity to raise the funds necessary to proceed with the monument project.The National Capital Commission (NCC), the lead federal agency mandated to approve the location and design of new commemorative projects on federal lands within Canada's Capital Region, will complete their Commemorations Plan by fall 2005. The plan provides a framework for appropriate placement of new commemorations and a site inventory, as well as urban design and thematic frameworks to assist those wishing to propose new commemorations in the Region. Information: Jean-François Del TorchioPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788 Jean-Guy BeaupréChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
