The Government of Canada recognizes the national historic significance of Dr. Irma LeVasseur
News Release
March 14, 2017 Québec, Quebec Parks Canada Agency
Today, Joël Lightbound, Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, recognized the national historic significance of Dr. Irma LeVasseur.
A special ceremony was held at the Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus with members of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and the President and Director of the CHU de Québec – Université Laval.
Born in Quebec, in an era where French Canadian universities were not open to women, Irma LeVasseur went to the United States for her studies. After graduating as a physician, she had to overcome obstacles in order to be able to practice her profession in Quebec. Irma LeVasseur was a pioneer in pediatrics in Canada; thanks to her, very well-known institutions, like l’Hôpital Sainte-Justine in Montreal and l’Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus in Quebec were created.
As part of the centennial of national historic sites, Parks Canada invites Canadians to be inspired and captivated by the stories of the people and events that shaped the Canada of today. Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas 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 committed to connecting Canadians to the significant events that contributed to our country’s rich and varied history. The contribution of Dr. Irma LeVasseur, her struggle for women’s rights to practice medicine in the country and her 50 years of practice are examples of this exceptional woman’s efforts. We encourage the Canadian population to take this opportunity to learn more about this leading figure and about her important role in our country’s history.”
Joël Lightbound
Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert and Parliamentary Secretary of the Minister of Health
“Dr. Irma LeVasseur represents those several women who had faith in their capabilities and in the role they had to play for the interest of the society in which they were progressing. Dr. Irma LeVasseur paved the way to women studying medicine. We can say without a doubt that she was inspirational as in 2016, the medical community of Quebec consisted of 45% of women.”
Mrs. Gertrude Bourdon
CEO of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval
Quick Facts
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Irma LeVasseur left to the United States to study medicine, and in 1903 she became the first woman having the authority to practice this profession in Quebec.
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Born in Quebec, Irma LeVasseur is considered as a pioneer in the field of pediatrics in Canada and she is the one who started the creation of several healthcare institutions in Quebec.
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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.
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Contacts
Kimberly Labar
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Quebec Field Unit
Parks Canada
418-648-4444
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812