The Government of Canada Recognizes the National Historic Importance of the National Council of Jewish Women of Canada
News Release
October 23, 2017 Toronto, Ontario 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.
Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada today commemorated the importance of the National Council of Jewish Women of Canada as an event of national historic significance. A special ceremony was held in Toronto, Ontario with members of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and the National Council of Jewish Women of Canada.
The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places, and events that contributed to our country’s diverse heritage. Founded in Toronto in 1897, the National Council of Jewish Women of Canada united a largely urban group of Jewish women who advocated and created greater opportunities for new immigrants, refugees, mothers, young women, and children. This organization gave Jewish women a voice in the community and in the women’s movement, enabling them to contribute to society while retaining their Jewish identity.
Canada’s national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience their rich history and heritage in a special way and have been playing a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.
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. We encourage you to learn more about our country’s history, and discover truly Canadian places and stories with Parks Canada.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is pleased to commemorate the national historic significance of the National Council of Jewish Women of Canada. As a passionate advocate for social justice and equality since 1897, this organization has forged an enduring legacy of community service across Canada. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, I encourage all Canadians to take this opportunity to learn more about this organization and its important role in our country’s history.”
Julie Dabrusin,
Member of Parliament for Toronto—Danforth
Quick Facts
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The oldest Jewish women’s organization in Canada, the National Council of Jewish Women of Canada was founded in 1897 by Meldola de Sola. By 1967, the group had 6,000 members out of a total Jewish population of 250,000.
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Throughout its history, the National Council of Jewish Women of Canada has worked tirelessly to promote social justice, freedom, equality, and tolerance, while also collaborating with aid organizations, such as the Red Cross, in supporting humanitarian efforts in Canada and abroad. The group continues this work today, with a head office in Winnipeg and regional offices across the country.
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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
Brett Levitt
Communications Officer, Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Program
Southwestern Ontario Field Unit
Parks Canada
289-969-3279
brett.levitt@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca