OTTAWA, ONTARIO, June 8, 2007--The Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced the appointment of a prominent Canadian Ms. Margot Sackett of St. Andrew's, New Brunswick to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC).
"Ms. Sackett will help the Board ensure that all Canadians have the opportunity to appreciate Canada's rich cultural heritage," said Minister Baird. "I am proud to welcome her to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and its work to commemorate people, places and events of national historic significance."
Ms. Sackett became a museum curator after completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Sir George Williams (now Concordia University) in 1972. Since 1995, she has been Director of the Ross Memorial Museum in St. Andrew's, New Brunswick, and previously spent 20 years professionally restoring provincial and national historic sites in Atlantic 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 importance are marked appropriately, both within Canada and abroad.
"The commemorative plaques placed across the country by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada help to connect Canadians with our shared past and with each other," explained Minister Baird. "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. The Governor in Council makes part-time appointments on the advice of the Minister of the Environment. Ms. Sackett will represent New Brunswick.
Information:
Eric Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Michel Audy
Executive Secretary
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
819-997-0129
