Ottawa, Ontario, March 27, 2012 — The Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced the designation of ten new national historic sites, persons, and events that define significant moments in Canada’s military history.
“From the Siege of Québec in 1759 to Canada’s contributions to the Allied effort during the Second World War, each of these designations represents a significant contribution to the development of Canada as a nation,” said Minister Kent. “Our national historic designations connect us to the cultural forces that made Canada what it is today. By understanding and appreciating our shared history and a sense of common purpose, we become a stronger Canada,” said Minister Kent.
The recognition of these historically important places, people, and events enhances our understanding of our history and speaks to the founding of our military institutions, the training of our forces, and early battles on Canadian soil. These new historical designations will be included in Canada’s family of national historic sites, persons, and events on the recommendation of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
“Canadians can rightly be proud of their military heritage,” said the Honourable Peter Mackay, Minister of National Defence and Regional Minister for Nova Scotia. “These designations show the significance of Canada’s military history, as well as the contributions and sacrifices of men and women, past and present.”
Today’s historical designations include Manitoba’s Camp Hughes, the Crow’s Nest Officer’s Club in St.John’s, Newfoundland, secret intelligence activities at Camp X in Whitby/Oshawa, Ontario, the Siege of the City of Québec in 1759, and the Battle of Sainte-Foy in 1760 in the City of Québec, Quebec. Canadian naval aviation during the Cold War, Canada’s Voluntary Aid Detachments, and the detention of Second World War military prisoners of war and enemy aliens sent from Great Britain are also recognized.
Established in 1919, and supported by Parks Canada, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises Canada’s Environment Minister regarding the national historic significance of places, persons and events that have marked Canada’s history. Parks Canada manages a nation-wide network of national historic sites that make up a rich tapestry of Canada’s cultural heritage and which offers visitors the opportunity for real and inspiring discoveries.
For additional information on the individual designations, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
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Information:
Adam Sweet
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Parks Canada
819-953-8371
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
Canada’s Military History
