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  Speech given by Jim Abbott PC MP, given at WHS 40th Anniversary Ball
Feb 29th, 2008

“You sacrifice time and energy to preserve your
local history for future generations.
Local heritage is about the details. Towns like
Whitby have stories that may never find their
way into History Textbooks or Encyclopedias,
but its these stories that describe the details of
your local history.

Since I am from Cranbrook in the Mountains of
B.C., and not from Whitby, I took a minute to
look into just a few of those details.
- Your town was here to witness
Confederation in 1867
- You have received visits from Princes,
Governors General, and other powerful
figures
- Your residents have gone on to win races,
championships, and even the Olympics.
- In the First World War, your town cared for
wounded soldiers who were injured in battle.
- Being a town on the shores of Lake Ontario,
I can only imagine the stories to come out of
the Prohibition years.
- And, as though taken from the pages of a
movie script, Whitby was the site of Camp X
– a secret spy-training facility from World
War II.

I would like to thank the Whitby Historical
Society for inviting me here this evening. It is
always a privilege to take part in celebrations
such as this.
Canada holds a place second to none as a
country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage.
I know you all share my conviction that culture is
essential to our quality of life and our sense of
identity, otherwise you would not be here
tonight.

Our Government believes it is essential for
citizens to have access to their own culture.
It is through cultural activities that our artists and
creators express their ideas, make their voices
heard, and celebrate their culture. Cultural
expressions promote dialogue, strengthen the
links that unite our communities, and contribute
to a nation's economic vitality.

Each year, the cultural sector contributes over
40 billion dollars to the Canadian economy and
employs seven hundred thousand people.
More important, thanks to the work of groups
like yours all across the country, and the work of
Canadian Heritage, all Canadians have access
to their culture: by participating in cultural
activities, they gain a sense of cultural
ownership and help to forge our collective
identity.

Our Government recognizes the value and
importance of local groups working to promote
and preserve local heritage. It is groups like
yours that add unique local colours to our
National cultural tapestry.
That's why, last September the Minister of
Canadian Heritage, Josee Verner, announced
new funding programs to support local arts and
heritage activities on an ongoing basis.
We recognize that hundreds of communities
across Canada organize events every year that
encourage people from a diversity of
backgrounds to come together in celebration.
And in doing so, they enrich the lives of their
citizens and contribute to the vitality of this
Canadians have every reason to be proud of
their communities and to celebrate their
collective sense of belonging to a unique place
in this country. Our Government values these
communities.

We want to encourage the stories and the
celebrations. We want future generations to be
aware of their origins and Canada's rich and
diverse heritage.
Which bring me to...You. When I attend
functions such as this, I am always enriched and
encouraged by the people I meet who put their
passion for history and local heritage into action
through organizations like: The Whitby Historical
Society.

On your website you list this statement: "About
our Members and Volunteers: We are extremely
proud of our members, they are a dedicated
group from all walks of life."
I want to echo that sentiment: I personally, as a
Member of Parliament elected to serve the
country and my constituents, am extremely
proud of people like you, here and across the
And because I'm not an expert in your local
history, I am sure that if it was someone from the
Whitby Historical Society standing here right
now, the stories could continue for hours, rather
than this very small historical snapshot.
My point is, your local stories and the details that
make Whitby the place it is, are too important to
forget and too valuable to lose. And it is only
local people like yourselves that can capture
your legacy.

Which is why I commend groups like the
Historical Society and applaud: You.
Your efforts and support, and your appreciation
of the heritage that makes Whitby unique, are
what will ensure future generations know the
details of who they are and where they have
come from.
Your work, your tireless dedication and support
is invaluable. I count it a great privilege to be a
part of this important event this evening.”

Thank you,

James "Jim" Abbott, PC, MP (born August 18, 1942 in Toronto, Ontario) is a Conservative member of Canada's House of Commons. Abbott was a member of the Reform Party from 1993 to 2000 and a member of the Canadian Alliance from 2000 to 2004. Originally representing the riding of Kootenay East, he has represented Kootenay—Columbia since the boundaries were redrawn, and the name changed, in 1997. Abbott is currently the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation. On October 15, 2007, he was sworn in as a member of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, and as such is entitled to the style "The Honourable" for life.