The Government of Canada Commemorates the National Historic Significance of the Good Shepherd Sisters of Québec

December 2, 2017                           Québec, Quebec                              Parks Canada

Canada’s national parks and national historic sites 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 the outdoors and learn more about its history.

Joël Lightbound, Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, today recognized the national historic significance of the Good Shepherd Sisters of Québec. A special ceremony took place in Quebec City with a representative from the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and with several members of the community.

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 the early 1850s, in the context of industrialization and urbanization of the 19th century, the Good Shepherd Sisters community responded to the needs of the people of Québec City.

First foundation solely originating from Quebec, the congregation of the Good Shepherd Sisters of Québec dedicated its social and educational mission to tackling the marginalization and social re-integration of women. These social work pioneers devoted themselves to protecting and reintegrating women who had been excluded from society for the reasons of delinquency or pregnancy outside of marriage. Over the years, this mission evolved to include a complete set of programs and services focused on the greater welfare of marginalized women. Guided by Christian charity, they adapted their interventions to fill gaps in the public system, taking into account advances in the perinatal period and in re-education

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. Take advantage of 2017 and discover truly Canadian stories with Parks Canada!

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