The Government of Canada Marks the National Historic Importance of the Mother House of the Grey Nuns in Montreal
News Release
October 12, 2017 Montreal, Quebec Parks Canada Agency
Canada’s national parks and national historic sites enable Canadians to experience their rich and varied history in a special way. On the 150th anniversary of Confederation, in 2017, the Government of Canada is inviting 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 and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, unveiled a plaque marking the national historic importance of the Mother House of the Grey Nuns in Montreal. A ceremony took place in Montreal with members of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and Concordia University.
The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places and events that contributed to our country’s diverse heritage. With its plain, austere exterior, the elegance and novelty of its chapel, its creative mixture of Neoclassical and Romanesque Revival styles, and its location, the Mother House of the Grey Nuns in Montreal eloquently embodies convent architecture of the second half of the 19th century in Quebec. Located in the heart of Montreal, between René-Lévesque Boulevard and Sainte-Catherine Street, this monumental building functioned for over 130 years as a place of community life and prayer, as a central location for their work in Montreal and as a mother house for their widespread missions.
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. With free admission to all the national historic sites in 2017, come discover the sites and stories of Canada!
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is pleased to commemorate the national historic importance of the Mother House of the Grey Nuns in Montreal. One of the few green spaces in downtown Montreal, the area contrasts with the density of its urban surroundings. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, I encourage all Canadians to take this opportunity to learn more about this remarkable place and its important role in our country’s history.
Marc Miller,
MP for Ville-Marie–Le Sud-Ouest–Île-des-Sœurs and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
Quick Facts
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An order founded in 1747 by Marguerite d’Youville to treat the sick, the Grey Nuns of Montreal were designated a national historic event in 1988.
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Its monumental scale is a tangible manifestation of the breadth of work carried out by the Grey Nuns in service to society – particularly the elderly, abandoned children, orphans and the sick – here in Montréal and in their missions around the world.
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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
Anne-Julie D’Amico
Officer, Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
Mauricie and Western Quebec Field Unit
Parks Canada
anne-julie.d’amico@pc.gc.ca
514-240-9589
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
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