Government of Canada Commemorates the National Historic Significance of Abraham Albert Heaps
News Release
November 24, 2016 Winnipeg, Manitoba Parks Canada Agency
Today, Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, commemorated the national historic significance of Abraham Albert Heaps as a national historic person. A special ceremony was held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with members of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada, the Manitoba Historical Society, and members of the Heaps family.
The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant events that contributed to our country’s rich and varied history. During a career spanning almost 30 years, A. A. Heaps served as a labour activist and a prominent supporter of Jewish interests nationally. Between 1925 and 1940, Heaps played a key parliamentary role in the introduction of social welfare legislation and became an influential member of the House of Commons. During his time as a Member of Parliament, Heaps worked for the reform of Canadian immigration policy; he also pressed the government to welcome more Jewish refugees into Canada.
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.
Quote
“With his contributions as a labour activist, an influential political figure and strong advocate for the interests of new Canadians, it is clear why A. A. Heaps is being recognized as a person of national historic significance. His actions to help those in need by introducing social welfare legislation, transformed the role of the state in Canadian society. With the approach of Canada’s 150th anniversary, it is time to celebrate the people, places and events that play a significant role in our history and help define who we are.”
- The Honourable Jim Carr,
Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre
Quick facts
- During the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919, A. A. Heaps was the most influential strike figure seeking to negotiate a settlement both favourable to workers and within the existing law.
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With fellow parliamentarian James Shaver Woodsworth, Heaps helped to introduce the Old Age Pension in Canada, in 1927.
He served in the House of Commons as an unofficial critic on economic policy until 1940, when he retired from politics.
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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 product
- Backgrounder: Abraham Albert Heaps (1885-1954)
Associated links
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Contacts
Jodi Duhard
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Manitoba Field Unit
Parks Canada
Tel: 204-984-1758
Media Relations
Parks Canada
1-855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
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