Legendary Nova Scotian sailor and fisherman celebrated

October 13, 2009

MP Keddy was delighted to be on hand to unveil a plaque commemorating the national historic significance of Captain Angus J. Walters. Joining MP Keddy was (from left to right) Dr. David Sutherland, Nova Scotia Representative, Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Heather Anne Getson, Historian with the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic and His Worship Laurence Mawhinney, Mayor, Town of Lunenburg.


Government of Canada commemorates Captain Angus J. Walters  as a person of national historic significance

LUNENBURG, NOVA SCOTIA - On behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret’s, today unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating the national historic significance of Captain Angus J. Walters.

“Through his legendary sailing prowess, Captain Angus Walters influenced the development of Nova Scotia’s identity as a bold and successful seafaring province,” said Mr Keddy. “His success in the International Fisherman’s Race at the helm of the legendary schooner Bluenose was also a source of pride, not just for Nova Scotians, but for all Canadians.”

As captain of the renowned fishing schooner Bluenose, Walters was victorious in the International Fishermen’s Races in 1921, and went on to successfully defend his title against American challengers in the next four competitions. These wins made headlines around the world, and Walters became a symbol of national pride, especially during the difficult economic times of the Great Depression. Walters came to personify the values most closely associated with the fishermen of Atlantic Canada: humility, responsibility, and a keen sense of fairness.

“We are pleased to recognize Captain Angus J. Walters, a successful and celebrated fisherman who set records for some of the biggest catches ever brought into Lunenburg,” said Minister Prentice. “His fame and ability as a fishing captain brought international attention to the Atlantic Canadian fishery.”

Parks Canada manages a nation-wide network of national historic sites that commemorate persons, places and events that have shaped Canada’s history and which offer visitors the opportunity for real and inspiring experiences. Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment on designations of national historic significance. With Parks Canada, it also ensures that these subjects of national historic importance are marked appropriately.