–Harper Government announces new investments in HMCS Haida National Historic Site
Office of the Minister of the Environment, Parks Canada, David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced infrastructure investments totalling $3 million in HMCS Haida National Historic Site on July 21.
This major investment includes a structural analysis to identify necessary repairs to the hull and required work to ensure the continued structural and cultural integrity of this national treasure for future generations.
This project is the result of an unprecedented investment by the Government of Canada to support infrastructure work in our national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas. This investment represents the largest federal infrastructure plan in the 104-year history of Parks Canada, ensuring these cherished places are protected and secured for the future while also creating and protecting jobs and opportunities.
Quick Facts
HMCS Haida, a Tribal Class destroyer built in England, was commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy in 1943 and served in many theatres of operation through the Second World War. After a post-war refit, Haida continued in service through the Korean Conflict until she was decommissioned in 1963. The ship was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1984 by the federal government. HMCS Haida arrived at Pier 9 in Hamilton Harbour on August 30, 2003, the 60th anniversary of her commissioning.
HMCS Haida National Historic Site welcomes between 12,000 and 16,000 visitors every year. Last year, more than 21 million visits were made to Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas.
Parks Canada is present in hundreds of communities across Canada and contributes approximately $3 billion dollars to the Canadian economy every year. Parks Canada’s overall contribution to the Canadian economy is responsible for more than 40,000 jobs from coast to coast to coast.
Quotes
“With this project, our Government is taking bold action to ensure that Canada’s treasured national historic sites like HMCS Haida are protected and secured for the future. I am pleased that Haida — the fightingest ship in the Royal Canadian Navy – will continue to tell her stories to all Canadians.” – David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale
