MONTRÉAL, Quebec, February 8, 2008 -- On behalf of Canada's Environment Minister John Baird, Mr. Daniel Petit, Member of Parliament for Charlesbourg– Haute-Saint-Charles, today unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating the national historic significance of Doctor Edward William Archibald, at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
"Our Government is proud to honour Dr. Archibald, who, for nearly 50 years, worked to improve medical procedures and teaching methods in North America," said Mr. Petit. "Not only did he devote himself to advancing science during his medical career, he also ensured that future generations could progress in the medical field as well."
Educator, clinical researcher and internationally acclaimed surgeon, Dr. Archibald advanced medicine as Canada's leading thoracic specialist in the early 20th century. He significantly improved the surgical procedure known as thoracoplasty used to treat tuberculosis, a devastating disease that once killed thousands of Canadians and that he himself survived. Widely published in his field, he taught at McGill University, where Norman Bethune was among his students. At the forefront of the scientific approach to medicine, Dr. Archibald helped to standardize surgical education and certification throughout North America.
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises Canada's Environment Minister 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 and creates public awareness about Canada's rich cultural heritage, which must be preserved for present and future generations.
Information:
Odette Lachance
Communications Advisor
Parks Canada
418 648-4167
