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THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA RECOGNIZES NATIONAL HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES (NWT) AND YUKON RADIO SYSTEM
DAWSON CITY, YUKON, August 3, 2005 -- The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced the unveiling of a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating the national historical significance of the Northwest Territories (NWT) and Yukon Radio System.
“With today’s commemoration, we are helping Canadians to understand and appreciate the historic significance of the Northwest Territories (NWT) and Yukon Radio System,” said Minister Dion. “By providing an effective and dependable means of communication, this radio system was instrumental in the development of northern Canada.”
In the early 1920s, the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals was asked by the Government of Canada to fill the void in long-distance telecommunication in the north by establishing a wireless communications system to serve industries and the embryonic communities in the northern territories. This resulted in the formation of the Northwest Territories (NWT) and Yukon Radio System.
“During the nearly four decades that their system operated, the men of the Signal Corps left behind a proud and impressive legacy,” added Minister Dion. “By connecting remote northern communities to each other as well as to Canadians in the south, thus contributing substantially to public safety and settlement in the north, these individuals served Canada well and earned our respect.”
The plaque ceremony, at which the radio system was honoured as part of the historic fabric of the Canadian North, took place at the Fort Herchmer Grounds, in Dawson City.
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment about the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada’s history. The placement of a commemorative plaque represents an official recognition of their historic value. It is one means of educating the public about the richness of our cultural heritage, which must be preserved for present and future generations.
Information:
Brigitte Caron
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Cathy McFadyen
Executive Services Officer, Yukon
Yukon Field Unit
Parks Canada
(867) 667-3971
“With today’s commemoration, we are helping Canadians to understand and appreciate the historic significance of the Northwest Territories (NWT) and Yukon Radio System,” said Minister Dion. “By providing an effective and dependable means of communication, this radio system was instrumental in the development of northern Canada.”
In the early 1920s, the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals was asked by the Government of Canada to fill the void in long-distance telecommunication in the north by establishing a wireless communications system to serve industries and the embryonic communities in the northern territories. This resulted in the formation of the Northwest Territories (NWT) and Yukon Radio System.
“During the nearly four decades that their system operated, the men of the Signal Corps left behind a proud and impressive legacy,” added Minister Dion. “By connecting remote northern communities to each other as well as to Canadians in the south, thus contributing substantially to public safety and settlement in the north, these individuals served Canada well and earned our respect.”
The plaque ceremony, at which the radio system was honoured as part of the historic fabric of the Canadian North, took place at the Fort Herchmer Grounds, in Dawson City.
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment about the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada’s history. The placement of a commemorative plaque represents an official recognition of their historic value. It is one means of educating the public about the richness of our cultural heritage, which must be preserved for present and future generations.
Information:
Brigitte Caron
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Cathy McFadyen
Executive Services Officer, Yukon
Yukon Field Unit
Parks Canada
(867) 667-3971
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
