Harper Government Announces New Designations of National Historical Significance in Quebec

Ottawa, Ontario, November, 27, 2012 — On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry and Minister of State for Agriculture, today announced the designation of six new national historic sites, persons and events in Quebec that define significant moments in Canada’s history.

“It is undeniable that these persons, places and events played important roles in the growth of Canada and Quebec as we know them today,” said Minister Paradis. “We can take great pride in the achievements of these individuals which have contributed positively to Canadian life, and feel the utmost respect for these places and events that have influenced the development of entire regions.”

Today’s announcement commemorates Frederick Cleveland Morgan whose passion for culture and the arts helped establish the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts; and Marc-Aurèle Fortin, the talented painter whose landscapes capture a way of life in Quebec that has now disappeared.

Today’s designations also include the historic significance of the former Lamaque mine and Bourlamaque Mining Village in Abitibi, a rare and well preserved example of a closed mining town. Also recognized is the historic district of Arvida, known as the “City Built in 135 days,” which is an outstanding, well-preserved example of a Canadian single-industry town and a testimony to the growth and development related to the country’s aluminum industry.

The other designations are the Sainte-Croix de Tadoussac Mission Church, the oldest wooden church in Canada and an important mission base for Jesuits and the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the Inuit co-operative movement, which began in 1959 and supported the development of Inuit art while giving Inuit communities and individuals the power to participate effectively in the management of their local economy and fostered new skills.

“These new designations offer special opportunities for all Canadians to better understand and celebrate the significant influence of individuals whose vision helped build institutions and enrich Canadian heritage, and of places that are the historic roots of entire regions,” said Minister Kent. “National historic designations like these connect the people of Canada to the forces that made our country. By understanding and appreciating our shared history and a sense of common purpose, we become a stronger Canada.”

The new designations will be included in Canada’s system of national historic sites, persons and events, on the recommendation of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada was established in 1919 and is supported by Parks Canada. It advises the Minister of the Environment regarding the national significance of places, persons and events that have marked Canada’s history. On behalf of the people of Canada, Parks Canada manages a nationwide network that makes up a rich tapestry of Canada’s historical heritage and offers the public opportunities for real and inspiring discoveries.