Latest news with #NationalProgramofHistoricalCommemoration


Canada Standard
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Canada Standard
The Government of Canada recognizes the national historic significance of the establishment of the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom
May 20, 2025 London, United Kingdom Parks Canada At a plaque unveiling ceremony yesterday in London, United Kingdom (UK), Ron Hallman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Parks Canada, along with Bernard Theriault, Chair of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, attended an event hosted by the Honourable Ralph Goodale, High Commissioner of Canada in the UK. The event commemorated the national historic significance of the establishment of the High Commission of Canada in the UK. The unveiling of the commemorative plaque and announcement of the national historic designation were made on behalf of the Minister responsible for Parks Canada through Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration. The establishment of the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom (UK) was an important chapter in Canada's diplomatic history. Canada was the first country in what became the Commonwealth to establish a high commission. The role of the High Commission, Canada's oldest diplomatic posting, evolved as Canada gained more legal and diplomatic autonomy. Since its informal beginnings in the late 19th century, the office has promoted Canadian interests in trade and immigration. On 29 June 1925, King George V and Queen Mary opened the newly renovated Canada House on Trafalgar Square, which became the new home of the High Commission of Canada. Its stature and proximity to the centres of British decision-making reflected Canada's growing independence and significant role within the Commonwealth. The Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and Parks Canada, recognizes significant persons, places, and events that have shaped our country as one way of helping Canadians connect with their past. By sharing these stories with Canadians, we hope to foster understanding and reflection on the diverse histories, cultures, legacies, and realities of Canada's past and present.


Cision Canada
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
The Government of Canada recognizes the national historic significance of the establishment of the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom Français
LONDON, May 19, 2025 /CNW/ - At a plaque unveiling ceremony today in London, United Kingdom (UK), Ron Hallman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Parks Canada, along with Bernard Thériault, Chair of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, attended an event hosted by the Honourable Ralph Goodale, High Commissioner of Canada in the UK. The event commemorated the national historic significance of the establishment of the High Commission of Canada in the UK. The unveiling of the commemorative plaque and announcement of the national historic designation were made on behalf of the Minister responsible for Parks Canada through Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration. The establishment of the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom (UK) was an important chapter in Canada's diplomatic history. Canada was the first country in what became the Commonwealth to establish a high commission. The role of the High Commission, Canada's oldest diplomatic posting, evolved as Canada gained more legal and diplomatic autonomy. Since its informal beginnings in the late 19 th century, the office has promoted Canadian interests in trade and immigration. On 29 June 1925, King George V and Queen Mary opened the newly renovated Canada House on Trafalgar Square, which became the new home of the High Commission of Canada. Its stature and proximity to the centres of British decision-making reflected Canada's growing independence and significant role within the Commonwealth. The Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and Parks Canada, recognizes significant persons, places, and events that have shaped our country as one way of helping Canadians connect with their past. By sharing these stories with Canadians, we hope to foster understanding and reflection on the diverse histories, cultures, legacies, and realities of Canada's past and present. Quotes "On behalf of Parks Canada, I am honoured to join the High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom, the Chair of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board, and the staff at Canada House in London in commemorating the national historic significance of the establishment of the High Commission of Canada in the UK. Parks Canada's work with the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada on designations such as this is an important way to highlight the rich and varied heritage of Canada and provide an opportunity for everyone to learn more about our diverse history." Ron Hallman President & CEO, Parks Canada Agency "Canada House is pleased that the Government of Canada has recognized the national historic significance of the establishment and growth of the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom. This special recognition underscores the important role that Canada's evolving diplomatic presence in U.K. has played in representing our country on the global stage since 1869. It acknowledges the extraordinary dedication and hard work of all our Canada-based and locally-engaged staff down through the years, and adds to our celebration this year of the 100 th anniversary of Canada House in its current prestigious location in the heart of London on Trafalgar Square." The Honourable Ralph E. Goodale PC, High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization Quick Facts The Canadian government created the position of high commissioner in 1880. Although the position had no formal diplomatic status nor the right to negotiate directly with foreign powers, the high commissioner represented Canadian commercial and financial interests, promoted emigration and trade, and managed Canada's relationship with Britain. This distinctive title, born of the unique status of Canada within the British Empire in the immediate post-Confederation period, would eventually become standard among Commonwealth countries. Today, the High Commission promotes Canada's interests in the UK in a variety of ways—representing the Canadian government to the UK; facilitating bilateral relations in areas such as trade, military and security, climate action, science, and innovation; providing immigration and visa services as well as consular services to Canadians in the UK; and promoting Canadian culture, values, and government priorities. In 2025, Canada House celebrates its centenary, marking a century of diplomacy and delivery for Canada and Canadians in the United Kingdom. Centenary celebrations include a special exhibition about the history of Canada House at Canada Gallery in Trafalgar Square. 1925-2025: A Century of Canada House opens this month until end of summer. Canada Gallery is open to the public and free to visit Monday to Saturday, 11:00-17:45 (BST). The designation process under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration is largely driven by public nominations. To date, more than 2,270 designations have been made nationwide. To nominate a person, place or historic event, please visit the Parks Canada website for more information: Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister responsible for Parks Canada regarding the national significance of persons, places, and events that have marked Canada's history. Together with Parks Canada, the Board ensures that subjects of national historic significance are recognized under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration and these important stories are shared with Canadians. SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)


Globe and Mail
19-02-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Government of Canada recognizes the Saskatchewan Doctors' Strike of 1962 as an event of national historic significance
The Saskatchewan Doctors' Strike of 1962 exemplifies fundamental conflicts in the development of Canadian public healthcare. GATINEAU , QC , Feb. 19, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the designation of the Saskatchewan Doctors' Strike of 1962 as an event of national historic significance under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration. When The Saskatchewan Medical Care Insurance Act, 1961 took effect on July 1, 1962 , most doctors in Saskatchewan went on strike for 23 days. Perhaps the best-known and most significant Canadian doctors' strike of the 20th century, this event exemplified the tension between increased government intervention in the health care system and doctors' professional independence, as well as between the status of doctors as entrepreneurs and patients' rights to affordable care. In 1961, the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation government of Saskatchewan introduced legislation to provide publicly funded medical services, which the Saskatchewan College of Physicians and Surgeons (SCPS) opposed. The SCPS wanted the government instead to subsidize voluntary private medical insurance for those who could not afford it. When the government refused to repeal the Act, most doctors in the province went on strike. There were doctors who did not go on strike, some because they supported the government and others because they thought it wrong to deny patients care. To ensure continued care, the government also brought in doctors from outside the province, the SCPS provided for emergency services at a small number of hospitals, and residents set up new community clinics. Still, patient care suffered during this time. The strike had a profound impact on Saskatchewan and the rest of Canada . It attracted national and international attention and sparked heated debates about the future of health care. The strike ended on July 23, 1962 , with the Saskatoon Agreement, which allowed doctors to maintain control over patient care and choose how they would be paid. This agreement became a model for the expansion of Canadian medicare in the years that followed. The Government of Canada , through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and Parks Canada, recognizes significant persons, places, and events that have shaped our country as one way of helping Canadians connect with their past. By sharing these stories with Canadians, we hope to foster understanding and reflection on the diverse histories, cultures, legacies, and realities of Canada's past and present. Quotes "Today, I am honoured to announce that the Saskatchewan Doctors' Strike of 1962 has been officially recognized as an event of national historic significance. The resolution that came out of this strike played a key role in shaping Canada's universal health care system —something deeply important to Canadians and to me personally. This pivotal moment in our history reminds us that compromise and thoughtful action can overcome strong differences of perspective, leading to better outcomes for all Canadians." The Honourable Steven Guilbeault Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada "On July 1, 1962 , The Saskatchewan Medical Care Insurance Act came into force, but Saskatchewan doctors were bitterly opposed to universal medical care insurance. In response to the legislation, 90% of Saskatchewan's doctors withdrew their services. The strike deeply divided Saskatchewan residents: the Keep Our Doctors committee, along with the media, led a campaign protesting universal health insurance while other residents felt betrayed by their doctors. After 23 days, the strike was resolved through the Saskatoon Agreement, a compromise between the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation government and the Saskatchewan College of Physicians and Surgeons. Based on the recommendations of Royal Commission on Health Services, the federal government passed the Medical Care Act in 1966. By 1971, all provinces had established a universal medical insurance plan. Despite the lingering hostilities, Saskatchewan led the way in establishing what is arguably Canada's most popular social program." C. Lesley Biggs , Ph.D., Nominator of the designation Quick Facts The first half of the 20th century was transformative for both the health care system and the medical profession in Saskatchewan . The province introduced reforms that significantly expanded government funding for hospital and diagnostic services, public health, hospital construction, medical training, and patient care. This same period saw the professionalization of health care and the rise of organized medicine. These transformations brought the province and the profession into increasing conflict. Doctors were not the only voices opposing the Act. Some women, who worried that the government plan would reduce access to care, formed "Keep Our Doctors" committees, which organized petitions, rallies, marches, and cavalcades, and drew support from groups opposed to the government. The designation process under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration is largely driven by public nominations. To date, more than 2,260 designations have been made nationwide. To nominate a person, place or historic event in your community, please visit the Parks Canada website for more information: Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national significance of persons, places, and events that have marked Canada's history. Together with Parks Canada, the Board ensures that subjects of national historic significance are recognized under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration and these important stories are shared with Canadians. Parks Canada is committed to working with Canadians in our efforts to tell broader, more inclusive stories in the places that it manages. In support of this goal, the Framework for History and Commemoration outlines a new, comprehensive, and engaging approach to sharing Canada's history through diverse perspectives, including shedding light on tragic and difficult periods of Canada's past. Related links Parks Canada Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada National historic designations SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)