The Government of Canada Commemorates the National Historic Significance of the Birth of the Dionne Quintuplets

The birth of the Dionne quintuplets in the midst of the Great Depression captured the world’s attention

August 5th, 2018                            North Bay, Ontario                     Parks Canada Agency

Born two months premature, the Dionne quintuplets may be the only set of identical quintuplets ever recorded and are the first quintuplets known to have survived their infancy. Born in 1934, in the midst of the Great Depression, without access to any medical equipment or facilities, their birth captured the world’s attention, and the sisters quickly became an international sensation.

Today, Mr. Anthony Rota, Assistant Deputy Speaker and Assistant Deputy Chair of Committees of the Whole and Member of Parliament for Nipissing — Timiskaming, commemorated the national historic significance of the birth of the Dionne quintuplets and unveiled a commemorative plaque at the Dionne Quintuplets birth home museum. The announcement was made on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Catherine McKenna.

Soon after their birth, citing concerns for their well-being, the Ontario government placed the quintuplets under the control of a board of guardians and the girls spent their first nine years at “Quintland,” a specially-built facility where they were featured as a tourist attraction. Millions of tourists travelled from around the world to see them and witness firsthand the survival of the world’s most famous babies. Eventually, they were returned to their family in 1943.

The Dionne family home, originally located in Corbeil, Ontario, was moved to North Bay in the 1980s in order to become a museum dedicated to telling the story of the quintuplets.

Today’s designation of the birth of the Dionne quintuplets as an event of national historic significance offers an opportunity for Canadians to not only learn about their remarkable birth, but also reflect on the challenges and difficulties they faced in their lives.

National historic designations commemorate all aspects of Canada's history, both positive and negative. Designations can recall moments of greatness and triumph or cause us to contemplate the complex and challenging moments that helped define Canada today. By sharing these stories with Canadians, we hope to foster better understanding and open discussions on Canada’s history.