The Government of Canada Commemorates the National Historic Significance of the Shore Crew of Newfoundland and Labrador
News Release
August 2, 2017 Grand Bank, Newfoundland and Labrador Parks Canada Agency
Canada’s national parks and historic sites enable Canadians to experience their rich and varied history in a special way and play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to experience nature and learn more about our history.
Today, the Honourable Judy M. Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Bonavista—Burin—Trinity on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, commemorated the Shore Crew of Newfoundland and Labrador National Historic Event. The ceremony took place at the Provincial Seamen’s Museum in Grand Bank.
The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places, and events that contributed to our country’s diverse heritage. From the early 19th to the mid-20th century, shore crews in rural Newfoundland and Labrador played a central role in the economic success of families, communities, and the fishing industry as a whole. Shore crews were particularly integral to the processing, or “making”, of salt fish which formed the basis of Newfoundland and Labrador’s cod fisheries until after the Second World War.
The majority of shore crews’ members were women who, in addition to raising children, farming, gardening, and performing numerous household tasks, played a key role in all stages of the fish curing process. These women ensured the survival of their communities by contributing to the abundant production of salted, dried cod destined for international markets.
2017 also marks the centennial of national historic sites and Parks Canada invites Canadians to discover and be inspired by the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped the Canada of today. Take advantage of free admission to national historic sites in 2017, and discover truly Canadian places and stories with Parks Canada!
Quotes
“Without the outstanding work of those hard-working and dedicated women, men, and often children, the fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador could not have survived as the economic backbone for so many coastal communities in this province. Shore crews in Newfoundland and Labrador, such as the famous “Beach Women” here in Grand Bank, are not only part of the province’s history but also reflect the rich and varied heritage of our nation. As part of the 150th anniversary of Confederation, I encourage all Canadians to take this opportunity to learn more about our country's history.”
Honourable Judy M. Foote,
Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Bonavista—Burin—Trinity
Quick Facts
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The term “shore crew” refers to the women, men, and often children, who were responsible for the splitting, salting, and drying of codfish.
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Women were often “shore skippers” who supervised the stages of the drying process that were essential to the production of high quality cod. For most of its history, the inshore and Labrador cod fisheries operated using the credit or “Truck” system, whereby fishing and shore crews would receive supplies on credit from merchant firms in exchange for their catch of salted, dried cod.
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Many shore crews were composed of family members, sometimes spanning several generations.
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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
Ray Kenny
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Parks Canada
709-772-2587
ray.kenny@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca