MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, April 12, 2008--On behalf of Canada's Environment Minister John Baird, the Member of Parliament for Burlington, Mr. Mike Wallace, today unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque to commemorate the national historic significance of prolific Canadian author Mazo de la Roche.
"Our Government is proud to commemorate Mazo de la Roche," said Mr. Wallace. "Celebrating the legacy of this accomplished writer will give Canadians the opportunity to learn more about Mazo de la Roche and her exceptional literary works."
Mazo de la Roche, who lived from 1879 to 1961, achieved unprecedented popularity in Canadian literature. She was particularly renowned for her Jalna series of novels, in which she recounts the story of the fictional Whiteoaks, an English Canadian family living in Southern Ontario.
"Mazo de la Roche achieved an unprecedented popularity in her time. Canadians are right to be proud of her accomplishments," said Mr. Wallace.
The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada recommended that the first Canadian author to receive the American Atlantic Monthly award (in 1927), Mazo de la Roche, be designated a person of national historic significance. Her prolific works include novels, short stories, plays and an autobiography that have propelled de la Roche to an unparalleled level of international popularity in Canadian literary history.
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:
Robert Roe
Curator
Woodside National Historic Site of Canada
Parks Canada
519-571-5684
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
MAZO DE LA ROCHE (1879-1961)
