May 2, 2024                                  Gatineau, Quebec                           Parks Canada

The Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, helps connect Canadians with our shared history. Every designation of a person, place, or event of national historic significance makes a unique contribution to the tapestry of stories that make up our past and collectively contributes to our identity.

Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the appointment of Mr. Bernard Thériault, representative for New Brunswick, as the new Chair of the Board. In addition, Minister Guilbeault announced the appointments of the following provincial / territorial representatives: Stephen Azzi (Ontario), Harry Holman (Prince Edward Island), Valerie Korinek (Saskatchewan), and Jessica Kotierk (Nunavut).

Each member of the Board brings a unique and valuable perspective that will further advance the important work the Board has been doing for over a century to commemorate the people, places, and events that have shaped Canada’s history. Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada are committed to ensuring that national historic designations reflect the broad spectrum of stories from the history of Canada. Together, they provide opportunities for people to hear stories that present different voices, perspectives, and experiences, including the difficult periods that are part of our past.

Canadians value our shared history and recognize that it is important to know about the country’s past and to know about each other. Historical understanding creates engaged citizens, promotes critical thinking, encourages civic responsibility, and produces a more inclusive society.

Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Minister responsible for Parks Canada regarding the national significance of persons, places, and events that have marked history in Canada. Parks Canada supports the Board’s work with professional and administrative services, including the conduct of historical and archaeological research needed for evaluating nominations.

Together, Parks Canada and the Board ensure that subjects of national historic significance are recognized, and these important stories are shared with Canadians under the National Program of Historical Commemoration.

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