The Government of Canada Recognizes the National Historic Significance of Hans Selye

News Release

September 14, 2017            Montréal, Quebec                          Parks Canada

Canada’s national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience their rich and varied history in a special way. 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, Marc Miller, Member of Parliament for Ville-Marie - Le Sud-Ouest - Île-des-Sœurs, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, recognized the national historic significance of Hans Selye. A special ceremony was held at the Université de Montréal with members of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and representatives of the Université de Montréal. 

The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places, and events that contributed to our country’s diverse heritage. Hans Selye dedicated most of his life to identifying and defining the phenomenon of stress, which was new at the time and which revolutionized our understanding of disease and its causes, and of the links between the brain, emotions, and the body. His wide-ranging research and excellent communication skills gave him an international reputation as an endocrinologist. He was honored with numerous honours and awards, including the title of Companion of the Order of Canada.

This year 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

“The Government of Canada is pleased to commemorate the national historic significance of Hans Selye, considered the father of stress research. A pioneer of 20th century medicine, his methods of research, both multidisciplinary and holistic, led the way for new approaches in the treatment of illnesses and influenced countless researchers. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, I encourage all Canadians to take this opportunity to learn more about this great person and his important role in our country's history.”

Marc Miller,
Member of Parliament for Ville-Marie - Le Sud-Ouest - Île-des-Sœurs

Dr. Selye’s contribution made Canada a large scientific nation. His legacy is tremendous. Through his work, we can understand and better manage stress, with which each of us must deal. 

Guy Breton,
Rector of the Université de Montréal

Quick Facts

  • Born in Austria in 1907, Hans Selye arrived in Montreal in 1933 and joined the Université de Montréal in 1945 as a professor, where he founded and became the first director of the Institut de médecine et de chirurgie expérimentale (Institute of Experimental Medicine and Surgery).

  • In 1936, Selye published his first scientific article on the stress syndrome, a theory that would make him famous worldwide.

  • 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

François Drouin
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Officer
La Mauricie and Quebec Western Field Unit
Parks Canada
819-408-0546
francois.drouin@pc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca

 

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