Government of Canada Recognizes the Royal 22e Régiment for its Historic Significance in the History of the Québec Citadel
News Release
September 2, 2016 Québec, Quebec Parks Canada Agency
Today, Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada unveiled a new commemorative plaque for the Québec Citadel. This plaque now recognizes the historic significance of the Royal 22e Regiment within the Québec Citadel. The ceremony took place in Québec City in the presence of the Honourable J. Michel Doyon, Lieutenant Governor of Québec, and many members of the Canadian Army, including members of the Royal 22e Régiment. The new plaque will be installed inside the walls of the Citadel.
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. Known as the Gibraltar of America, the Québec Citadel is the most important British fortress in North America. Built between 1820 and 1830, it has played a series of important military roles over the years. The Citadel is home to the Royal 22e Régiment, a regiment which, in addition to its indisputable military accomplishments, contributed to the expansion of the use of the French language in the Canadian Army. The presence of the Royal 22e Régiment at the Québec Citadel plays an important role in the vitality of the historic neighbourhood of Old Québec.
As we near the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada invites 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 recognize the historical significance of the Royal 22e Régiment within the Québec Citadel. Besides being at the forefront of the use of French in the Canadian Army, the Royal 22e Régiment distinguished itself through undeniable military feats and has been involved in several major military operations throughout its history. The presence of this prestigious regiment here is therefore an important part of the vitality of the historic district of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
“The Royal 22e Régiment is honoured that the Government of Canada recognizes its historic importance and its affiliation to the Québec Citadel. Our permanent presence in this magnificent fortress allowed the Royal 22e Régiment to promote the Canadian Army to the general public and to contribute to the dynamism and cultural richness of Québec. Members of the Regiment are extremely proud to serve Canada within its French language units and to defend Canadian values here and elsewhere in the world.”
Colonel of the Royal 22e Régiment
Lieutenant General (ret.) Richard J. Evraire, CMM, CD
Quick facts
- This French Canadian regiment contributed to the use of the French language in the Canadian Army.
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The Royal 22e Régiment is also recognized for its indisputable military accomplishments. It participated in many operations during the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, in many military and peacekeeping operations and, most recently, in the mission in Afghanistan.
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The Québec Citadel was designated as a national historic site in 1946 and is an important component of the historic district of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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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.
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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 19, 2016.
Related product
- Backgrounder: The Québec Citadel
Associated links
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Information
Kimberly Labar
Communications and Public Relations officer
Quebec Field Unit
Parks Canada
Tel.: 448 648-4444
kimberly.labar@pc.gc.ca
Captain Mathieu Dufour
Public Affairs Officer
5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
Tel.: 418 844-5000, ext. 4688
mathieu.dufour@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
Tel.: 855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
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