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THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA COMMEMORATES THE CANADIAN MILITARY PRESENCE IN NEWFOUNDLAND
BOTWOOD, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR, August 10, 2005 -- On behalf of the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Scott Simms, MP for Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor, today unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating the Canadian Military Presence in Newfoundland during the Second World War as an event of national historic significance.
“During the Second World War, Newfoundland and Labrador was an important stepping stone to Britain and a key defensive position for North America,” said Minister Dion. “With its strategic position in the North Atlantic, Newfoundland controlled the two approaches to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It’s main harbour at St. John’s lay astride the main North Atlantic convoy routes and was an important base for the corvettes and destroyers of the Royal Canadian Navy.”
“Royal Canadian Air Force patrol aircraft flying out of Gander, Botwood and St. John’s patrolled the Newfoundland coast and guarded the eastern end of Atlantic convoys,” stated Mr. Simms. “Newfoundland was also a vital link in the trans-Atlantic airway to Britain, with Gander and Goose Bay serving as jumping off points for aircraft and crews flying to Britain to support the war effort.”
After Canada agreed to assume the responsibility for Newfoundland’s defense and coastal artillery in 1940, infantry battalions were strategically placed to protect installations at St. John’s, Botwood, Gander, Lewisporte and Goose Bay, among others. The close institutional and personal ties made during the Second World War by Canadian service personnel stationed in Newfoundland and Labrador, which was then a Crown colony of Great Britain, influenced its decision to join Canada in 1949.
The Canadian Military Presence in Newfoundland was designated as an event of national historic significance in 2000. To commemorate this event and help Canadians understand its importance in Canada’s history, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque unveiled today will be permanently displayed in Botwood, Newfoundland and Labrador. The plaque unveiling ceremony was held at the Botwood Heritage Centre.
“Today, we honour the contribution and sacrifice of members of the Canadian Armed Forces who came to Newfoundland and Labrador during the Second World War. Through their actions, they helped to shape our nation and maintain our freedom,” added Mr. Simms. “To all veterans, wherever you served during the Second World War, thank you for everything you have done, you will be remembered.”
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 Ministerof the Environment
(819) 997-1441
David H. Taylor
Manager of Marketing and Communications
Newfoundland East Field Unit
Parks Canada Agency
(709) 772-0285
“During the Second World War, Newfoundland and Labrador was an important stepping stone to Britain and a key defensive position for North America,” said Minister Dion. “With its strategic position in the North Atlantic, Newfoundland controlled the two approaches to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It’s main harbour at St. John’s lay astride the main North Atlantic convoy routes and was an important base for the corvettes and destroyers of the Royal Canadian Navy.”
“Royal Canadian Air Force patrol aircraft flying out of Gander, Botwood and St. John’s patrolled the Newfoundland coast and guarded the eastern end of Atlantic convoys,” stated Mr. Simms. “Newfoundland was also a vital link in the trans-Atlantic airway to Britain, with Gander and Goose Bay serving as jumping off points for aircraft and crews flying to Britain to support the war effort.”
After Canada agreed to assume the responsibility for Newfoundland’s defense and coastal artillery in 1940, infantry battalions were strategically placed to protect installations at St. John’s, Botwood, Gander, Lewisporte and Goose Bay, among others. The close institutional and personal ties made during the Second World War by Canadian service personnel stationed in Newfoundland and Labrador, which was then a Crown colony of Great Britain, influenced its decision to join Canada in 1949.
The Canadian Military Presence in Newfoundland was designated as an event of national historic significance in 2000. To commemorate this event and help Canadians understand its importance in Canada’s history, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque unveiled today will be permanently displayed in Botwood, Newfoundland and Labrador. The plaque unveiling ceremony was held at the Botwood Heritage Centre.
“Today, we honour the contribution and sacrifice of members of the Canadian Armed Forces who came to Newfoundland and Labrador during the Second World War. Through their actions, they helped to shape our nation and maintain our freedom,” added Mr. Simms. “To all veterans, wherever you served during the Second World War, thank you for everything you have done, you will be remembered.”
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 Ministerof the Environment
(819) 997-1441
David H. Taylor
Manager of Marketing and Communications
Newfoundland East Field Unit
Parks Canada Agency
(709) 772-0285
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
