The Girl Guide Movement in Canada

Founded in 1910, this service-oriented, non-denominational, non-political organization is one of the largest youth movements in Canada and throughout the world. The program of activities is based on the principles of scouting put forward by Lord Baden-Powell, emphasizing the outdoors, character building, good citizenship, and self-reliance. Since its inception it has restricted its membership to girls and women and, by providing strong leadership and inspirational role models, has dedicated itself to helping girls and young women become responsible citizens, able to give leadership and service to the community whether local, national, or global. Throughout most of its history, Canadian guiding has maintained its financial independence through the sales of its famous cookies.

Girl Guides was one of a number of youth movements founded at a time of perceived societal turmoil generated by the economic boom of the early 20^th century. Adolescence was seen as a crucial time of moral and religious decision making. In response, the Girl Guide movement aimed to make girls self-reliant and to develop those qualities of character to make good citizens. It stressed physical development through exercise as well as service to others and good citizenship. Open and inclusive, non-political, non-class, and non-denominational, its fundamental principles of developing girls into productive and responsible citizens have remained unchanged over the years. Since its founding it has grown into one of the largest youth movements in Canada and throughout the world.

Although the Girl Guides were inspired by Lord Baden-Powell’s Boy Scouts, from its inception it has remained determinedly “girls only”. While the Girl Guides did to some degree practice scouting, until at least the 1970s, the aim of the organization remained to help girls become good homemakers and capable citizens. By the 1960s, however, the organization was changing to allow girls an opportunity to explore less traditional avenues in a supportive environment. Over the years, the movement has been associated with prominent women who have provided strong leadership and inspirational role models, from Lady Mary Pellatt, its first Chief Commissioner, to modern figures such as Governor General Jeanne Sauvé and astronaut Roberta Bondar.

In 1927, a Regina Girl Guide Company hit upon the idea of making and selling cookies to raise money. The idea caught on and spread across Canada and by 1929, the Girl Guide national headquarters was selling cookies. Cookie sales remain the largest source of funding for Canadian Girl Guides. Not only does the sale of cookies provide funds for Girl Guide programs and activities, it also helps to raise the profile of the organization. The Girl Guide cookie has become so closely associated with the organization as to become a Canadian cultural icon.

The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada

Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, in close collaboration with Parks Canada, advises the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada’s history. The placement of a commemorative plaque represents an official recognition of historic value. It is one means of informing the public about the richness of our cultural heritage, which must be preserved for present and future generations.

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