Government of Canada Commemorates the National Historic Significance of the Girl Guide Movement
News Release
Government of Canada Commemorates the National Historic Significance of the Girl Guide Movement
October 25, 2016 Toronto, Ontario Parks Canada Agency
Today, Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada commemorated the importance of the Girl Guide Movement in Canada as an event of national historic significance. A special ceremony was held in Toronto, Ontario, with members of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, and members of the Girl Guides of Canada from all across the country.
The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant events that contributed to our country’s rich and varied history. This service-oriented, non-religious, and non-political organization is one of the largest youth movements in Canada and throughout the world.
Since its inception, the organization has been for girls and women only, providing strong leadership and inspirational role models. It is dedicated to helping millions of girls and young women become responsible citizens, able to give leadership and service to the community, whether local, national or global.
As we near the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government invites all Canadians to experience and learn more about our environment and our history. Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience their heritage in a special way and will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is proud to recognize the people, places and events that shaped Canada and to commemorate the Girl Guide Movement in Canada as an event of national significance. For over 100 years, Girl Guides of Canada has fostered friendship, encouraged recreation and training, and prepared girls and women to meet the challenges that they face in their lives head on.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
Quick facts
- The guiding programme emphasizes the outdoors, character-building, good citizenship and self-relianc.
- Girl Guides contributed to relief efforts during the First and Second World Wars and later to international understanding and respect through the ties of friendship with girls from other countries.
- Many successful and accomplished Canadians have been through the guiding programme including astronaut Roberta Bondar, ballerina Karen Kain and former Governors General Jeanne Sauvé and Michaëlle Jean.
- Throughout much of its history, Canadian Guiding has been funded through sales of its iconic cookie. These cookies have travelled as far as Saudi Arabia with our Canadian Forces and even to outer space!
- Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada’s history
Related products
Backgrounder: The Girl Guide Movement in Canada
Additional links
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
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Contacts
Elizabeth LeBlanc
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Southwestern Ontario Field Unit
Parks Canada
905-651-4507
Elizabeth.LeBlanc@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
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