The Government of Canada highlights the national historic significance of the wreck of the Empress of Ireland
Pointe-au-Père, Quebec, July 8, 2011 -- On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Suzanne Fortin-Duplessis, senator, today unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating the national historic significance of the wreck of the Empress of Ireland. A special ceremony was held at the site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père in the presence of Rimouski mayor Éric Forest and Jean-Claude Marsan, a representative of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
"With a loss of 1,012 lives, the sinking of this majestic ship on May 29, 1914, stands as the worst maritime disaster in Canadian history," said senator Fortin-Duplessis. "With this official commemoration, we ensure that the terrible story of this imposing ocean liner, its crew and passengers, and the importance of this ship for many Canadians of European descent is shared with future generations."
Lying off Sainte-Luce, the wreck is the most structurally complete example of an early 20th-century ocean liner in the country. It is also the sole remaining ocean liner of the Canadian Pacific Railway from before the First World War, a period when the company operated the largest transportation and communication network in the world. Tens of thousands of immigrants arrived aboard the Empress of Ireland between 1906 and 1914.
"The tragic sinking of the Empress of Ireland profoundly marked our collective memory," said Minister Kent. Today, for many descendants of those who travelled on this ship remain emotionally connected to this symbol of the beginnings of their lives in Canada. With this commemoration, the Canadian government pays tribute to those who lost their lives during this disaster, and invites all Rimouski residents, Canadians, and visitors from abroad to remember this page in our history."
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Commission advises the Minister of the Environment regarding the national historic significance of places, people, and events that have marked Canada's history. Parks Canada manages a nationwide network of national historic sites that make up the rich tapestry of Canada's heritage and offer visitors the opportunity for real and inspiring discoveries.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca, under Media Room.
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Information:
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