The Government of Canada Commemorates Mary Meager Southcott (1862-1943) as a Person of National Historic Significance

News Release

ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR, October 5, 2006 -- The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada announced today the unveiling of a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating Mary Meager Southcott as a person of national historic significance.
"Mary Meager Southcott was a pioneer and leader in the development of a modern and independent nursing profession in colonial Newfoundland," said Minister Ambrose. "Through her efforts she founded the General Hospital School of Nursing in St. John's in 1903, the only one of its kind in Newfoundland until 1929."
Mary Southcott was also a public health activist, educator and suffragist. Her efforts to ensure good maternity care for mothers and their children were supported by her presence on the Newfoundland Midwifery Board, which trained and regulated midwives in Newfoundland. In addition, Southcott participated in the development of a specialized midwifery-nursing program at the Grace Hospital and served as president of the Child Welfare Association.
Southcott also lectured in support of women's suffrage helping to educate women on the wise use of their newly acquired franchise in the mid-1920s."
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.
Mary Meager Southcott (1862-1943)
Information:
David H. Taylor
Manager of Marketing and Communications
Newfoundland East Field Unit
Parks Canada Agency
709-772-0285

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The Government of Canada Commemorates Mary Meager Southcott (1862-1943) as a Person of National Historic Significance

News Release

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