SMITHS FALLS, ONTARIO, September 1, 2007--On behalf of the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville, and the executive of the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees, today commemorated the life of the workers who crafted the canal and celebrated the workers who carry on the tradition of canal operations. A Tribute to Labour, the third and last signature event hosted by Parks Canada, is part of a year-long celebration commemorating the 175th anniversary of the Rideau Canal (1832-2007).
"On behalf of Canada's new Government, I am pleased to be here at the Jones Falls Lockstation to pay tribute to the past and present workers of the Rideau Canal",, said Mr. Brown. "The Rideau Canal would not be what it is today without the dedication and sacrifice of thousands of people".
Officially opened in the summer of 1832 to provide a secure transportation route between Montreal and Kingston, the Rideau Canal was built in just six years. Under the supervision of Lieutenant-Colonel John By and his Royal Engineers, two companies of the Royal Sappers and Miners, civilian contractors and two thousand labourers a year, mostly Irish and French Canadians, cleared the route for the canal using draught animals, shovels, pick-axes and wheelbarrows. They worked in all seasons and conditions, often accompanied by their wives and children. During the six years it took to build the canal, it is estimated that over 1,000 workers died from malaria, other diseases and work-related accidents.
Early lockmasters on the canal were often military personnel appointed to the job after construction was completed. The work of operating the locks has changed little since the mid 19th century, with most of the canal still operated by hand. Today, dedicated Parks Canada employees play a leadership role in protecting and presenting this newly designated World Heritage Site, with Lock staff also providing high quality visitor experiences for the many visitors to the Rideau each summer.
"For 175 years, many generations of lockmasters and lock operators have preserved the canal's natural and historic features," said Mr. Brown. "It's because of their dedicated work that visitors from Canada and all over the world are able to admire this historic waterway".
In partnership with the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees, which represents some 7,500 members working for more than 50 employers in various private and public sectors of the Canadian transportation industry such as the Rideau Canal, Parks Canada is happy to host A Tribute to Labour. For the occasion, Jones Falls Lockstation was abound with visitors eager to learn more about the waterway and the people who crafted and preserve it today. Guests discovered the life of Peter Sweeney who was the first lockmaster at Jones Falls, met the Jones Falls blacksmith, learned about traditional trades and enjoyed the music of many artists such as country star Johnny Reid.
Information:
Gavin Liddy, Superintendent
Rideau Canal
Parks Canada
613-283-7199 ext. 235
Pam Buell, Communications Manager
Eastern Ontario
Parks Canada
613-283-7199 ext. 219
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
RIDEAU CANAL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA PART OF A WORLD HERITAGE SITE
