Government of Canada Recognizes the Immigration of the Filles du roi to New France for its Historic Significance

News Release

September 16, 2016 Québec, Quebec Parks Canada Agency

Joël Lightbound, Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert (Quebec), on behalf of the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, today unveiled a commemorative plaque from the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) to recognise the national historical significance of the Immigration of the Filles du roi to New France.

A special ceremony was held at the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site in Old Québec. Representatives of the Société d’histoire des Filles du Roy, members of the HSMBC and proud citizens were in attendance to mark this historical commemoration.

The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places and events that contributed to our country’s rich and varied history. The “Filles du roi” [King’s Daughters] played a fundamental role in the history of the establishment of New France. Supported and crafted by the French royal administration, the King’s Daughters effectively contributed to the founding of a strong French presence in North America. They represent more than half of the female pioneers that contributed to the genetic inheritance of French Canadians, and their progeny in North America probably numbers among the millions.

As we near the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places and events that contributed to our country’s rich and varied history. We invite Canadians to experience and learn more about our environment and our heritage. Canada’s national parks and national historic sites enable Canadians to experience their rich history and heritage in a special way and will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is pleased to celebrate the contribution of the King’s Daughters to Canadian history. At the turn of the seventeenth century, these remarkable women crossed the Atlantic at the royal administration’s request and played a critical role in the demographic, economic and social growth of the young colony of New-France.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

“Forgetfulness and ignorance have kept the King’s Daughters and their work in the dark. I believe, as Anne Hebert wrote, ‘that we will have to name them all, out loud, call them by name, facing the river, from whence they came in the 17th century, to give birth to us all, to give birth to this country’.”
Madame Irène Belleau
President, Société d’histoire des Filles du Roy

Quick facts

· From 1663 to 1673, some 800 young women came to New France with the support of the royal administration, to marry and start families.
The average age of the young women who immigrated during this period was 24. Within six months of landing in the port of Québec, 80 percent of them were married.
We owe to Marguerite Bourgeoys the expression "Filles du roi", used to make a distinction between the young women who immigrated to New France at the behest of the royal administration and those who emigrated voluntarily.
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change on the national historic importance of the sites, people and events that marked Canada's history.
The Government of Canada is currently seeking applications from diverse and talented Canadians from across the country who are interested in becoming a member of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. The Board invites Canadians meeting the requirements to submit their candidacies via the Governor in Council website by September 19th, 2016