Minister MacKay Officially Opens Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

overnment of Canada fulfills commitment to preserve important chapter of our history
StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-HALIFAX, February 7, 2011 – The official inauguration of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax—Canada’s sixth national museum—was celebrated today by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament (Central Nova).


“I am proud that the Harper Government is delivering on our commitment to create the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Canada’s sixth national museum and the second one we have established outside of the National Capital Region,” said Minister MacKay. “This national institution pays tribute to the women, men, and children from all over the world who chose Canada as their home. I know I speak for all Nova Scotians in saying that we are proud to be part of ensuring this important chapter of Canadian history is preserved, promoted, and shared with all Canadians—now, and for generations to come.”
“This museum is for all of us because with one in five Canadians tracing a relationship back to this site, we know that Pier 21 has played a key role in creating the Canada we cherish today,” said the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. “By creating this National museum, we’ve ensured that the stories of those who travelled far, toiled long, and sacrificed much for a better life in this great country, will be forever preserved in the national fabric of Canada’s broad and colourful history.”

From the late 1920s to the early 1970s, Pier 21, a national historic site in Halifax, was Canada’s front door for more than a million immigrants, refugees, troops, wartime evacuees, and war brides and their children. As Canada’s last surviving ocean immigration shed, Pier 21 gives Canadians a chance to explore a key part of our heritage. The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 has a broadened scope and mandate that tells the stories of people who came to Canada seeking a better life for themselves and their families, and who contributed immensely to building our great country.

“I am very happy to chair the inaugural board of Canada’s newest national museum,” said John E. Oliver, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “This board is composed of very committed individuals from across Canada, and we are delighted to have been chosen by the government to oversee this new institution.”
 
The mandate of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is to explore the theme of immigration to Canada in order to enhance public understanding of the experiences of immigrants as they arrived in Canada, of the vital role that immigration has played in the building of Canada, and of the contributions of immigrants to Canada’s culture, economy, and way of life. For more information, visit the Museum’s website at http://www.canadianmuseumofimmigrationatpier21.ca/.