The Government of Canada Commemorates the National Historic Significance of the Wilberforce Red Cross Outpost

News Release

WILBERFORCE, ONTARIO, August 15, 2006 -- The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced the unveiling of a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) plaque commemorating the national historic significance of the Wilberforce Red Cross Outpost.
"The Wilberforce Red Cross Outpost is an important monument to the history of women and medical practice in Canada", said Minister Ambrose.
The Wilberforce Red Cross Outpost was established in 1922 to serve the medical needs of the isolated but growing population between Haliburton and Bancroft. Originally a one-room treatment centre staffed by a single Red Cross nurse, it grew into a three-room mini-hospital as the local population increased. Services provided at the Outpost ranged from the treatment of accidental injuries and acute illnesses, to maternity care and delivery. Education was an important service provided by the nurses at the Outpost. Nurses offered expectant mothers infant care training and taught classes in hygiene and nutrition to local school children.
The first of its kind in Ontario, the Outpost was a keystone of the community throughout its forty years of operation. The property was restored and opened as a museum on August 15, 1992 and is today celebrating its 14th year as an important community tourist attraction.
"The designation of the Wilberforce Red Cross Outpost by the Government of Canada will help to ensure that this well preserved example of heath care services in Canada in the first half of the 20th century is cared for and appreciated for generations to come," said the local Member of Parliament, Barry Devolin, who's great-grandparents lived in the nearby Cheddar settlement in the 1920's and 30's.
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada's history. The placement of a commemorative plaque represents an official recognition of historic value. It is one means of informing the public about the richness of our cultural heritage, which must be preserved for present and future generations.
Information:
Ryan Sparrow
Associate Director and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Robert Sheldon
Communications Manager
Central Ontario Field Unit
Parks Canada
(705) 750-4918
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.

WILBERFORCE RED CROSS OUTPOST NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA

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The Government of Canada Commemorates the National Historic Significance of the Wilberforce Red Cross Outpost

News Release

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