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Government of Canada unveils commemorative map of Champlain’s voyages and explorations in celebration of 400th anniversary of Québec
May 30, 2008
Québec – A commemorative map of the voyages and explorations of Samuel de Champlain was unveiled today by Steven Blaney, Member of Parliament for Lévis-Bellechasse, on behalf of the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Québec.
"For more than 100 years, the Canadian Hydrographic Service has been mapping our country’s navigable waterways. Through its work, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has maintained the safety of navigation on the St Lawrence River, thus contributing to the history and development of Quebec," said MP Blaney.
The founder of Québec, Samuel de Champlain, is also recognized as one of the first cartographers of New France. The mapping of the St Lawrence River and its tributaries played an important role in the development of Canada.
At the unveiling, MP Blaney presented a numbered reprint of the map to the Mayor of Québec, Régis Labeaume, to highlight the Government of Canada’s contribution to the festivities surrounding the 400th anniversary of the founding of Québec. The map illustrates Champlain’s main voyages in New France, from 1603 to 1615, in a style reminiscent of his original maps. Former place names from that era are juxtaposed with their modern-day equivalents. Also included are a few anecdotes relating Champlain’s encounters with Aboriginal peoples, as well as images taken from his writings.
"Our Government is a proud partner in the 400th celebrations of Québec and invites all Canadians to participate in the celebrations, which highlight this important chapter in the collective history of our citizens," added MP Blaney.
"There are few cities in North America that can celebrate such a storied past. It was in 1608 that we truly began our journey to become what we are today," said the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie, "The foundation of Québec also marks the foundation of the Canadian State. Our Government is pleased to offer all visitors the opportunity to discover a vital part of the rich maritime heritage left to us by Champlain."
The publication of the "Voyages and Explorations of Samuel de Champlain" commemorative map is one of the activities organized by the federal government to draw attention to the 400th anniversary of the founding of Québec. The map may be purchased from Canadian Hydrographic Service authorized chart dealers.
The 400th anniversary of Québec, the cradle of the French language and culture in North America, is a historic event for Canada and North America. The Government of Canada is proud to contribute $110 million to the celebrations and to be a partner in the organization of this event.
For more information on Québec's 400th anniversary, visit the Government of Canada's website on this historic event at www.quebec400.gc.ca.
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