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Conserve Heritage Resources

Other Heritage Programs

National Program for the Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers

The objective of the National Program for the Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers is to ensure that the gravesites are conserved and recognized in a respectful and dignified manner, and to provide Canadians with information on the lives and accomplishments of each former prime minister, as well as the locations of their final resting places. Parks Canada has been responsible for the program since its launch in February 1999. The program is managed under the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Secretariat. Parks Canada is also responsible for the maintenance of gravesites. The Master Conservation Strategy for Prime Ministers’ Grave Sites (1999) provides a standardized approach for the conservation and maintenance of the resources, while at the same time being respectful of family expectations. The Strategy has guided development of comprehensive conservation plans for each of the 15 gravesites being maintained by Parks Canada.

Dedication ceremonies are arranged in cooperation with the families of former Prime Ministers and the respective cemeteries. Parks Canada does not control the timing of these activities. Dedication ceremonies for the gravesites of 12 former prime ministers were held prior to March 2004. Since then, no ceremonies have been held for the remaining three late prime ministers (Sir John Abbott, Louis S. St-Laurent and Pierre Elliott Trudeau).

According to a survey of the condition of the gravesites completed in November 2005, seven of the sites are in fair condition and one is in poor condition.

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