OTTAWA, ONTARIO, December 7, 2006 -- The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced the appointment of a prominent Canadian - Mr. Leonard Cusack of Emyvale, Prince-Edward-Island - to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC).
"Through his knowledge, dedication and expertise, this distinguished Canadian will make a valuable contribution to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and its work to commemorate people, places and events of national historic significance," said Minister Ambrose. "He will help the Board to ensure that Canada's rich cultural heritage is remembered and appreciated by this and future generations."
Mr. Cusack received a B.A. (Honours) in History from St. Dunstans University, a B.Ed. from the University of Prince Edward Island, and an M.A. in Canadian History from the University of New Brunswick. He has been a sessional lecturer on Canadian History at the University of Prince Edward Island since 1973. Prior to his retirement from the Public Service in 2005, he was the Access and Privacy Coordinator for the Province for five years. His research interests are in political and social history in 20th-century Canada.
The HSMBC advises the Minister of the Environment on the designation of places, people and events of national historic significance. With Parks Canada, it also ensures that these subjects of national historic significance are marked appropriately, both within Canada and abroad.
"The commemorative plaques placed across the country by the Historic Sites and Monument Board of Canada help to connect Canadians with our shared past and with each other," explained Minister Ambrose. "They tell the story of our development as a nation, and the people, places and events that shaped our country."
Created in 1919, the HSMBC has 17 members: the National Archivist, an officer of the Canadian Museum of Civilization, and one part-time Governor-in-Council appointee for each province and territory, with the exception of Quebec and Ontario, which have two members each. Part-time appointments are made by the Governor in Council on the advice of the Minister of the Environment.
Information:
Robert Klager
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
