POINTE-À-LA-RENOMMÉE, QUÉBEC--(Marketwire - Sept. 29, 2012) - On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Michel Rivard, Senator, unveiled today a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating the national historic importance of the creation of a marine wireless telegraph system. A special commemorative ceremony was held in Gaspé at the Site historique de Pointe-à-la-Renommée.

"I am proud to celebrate at this symbolic site an event that formed the foundation for wireless communication. The opening of the Pointe-à-la-Renommée station and the network set up by Marconi in the early 20th century, led to the creation of Canada's marine wireless telegraph service," said Senator Rivard. "It also helped diminish the feeling of isolation in distant communities and at navigation assistance posts such as lighthouse stations."

The first Canadian marine station of the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company was established here in 1904, one of six installations inaugurating radio communication between ships at sea and the coast. In the following years, this system of marine stations grew as the wireless telegraph became an indispensable complement to existing navigational tools, improving safety on Canada's coastal and inland waters. The importance of this new technology led the Federal Government to regulate the airwaves as early as 1905, setting the stage for later laws governing wireless communication and radio broadcasting.

"The commissioning of a first marine wireless telegraph station at Pointe-à-la-Renommée on the Gaspé Peninsula was a decisive episode in the history of marine communication in Canada. By commemorating this event, the Government of Canada invites all Gaspesians, all Canadians and all foreign visitors to discover and raise awareness about this page of our history," said Minister Kent.

The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada was established in 1919 and is supported by Parks Canada. It advises the Minister of the Environment regarding the national significance of places, persons and events that have marked Canada's history. On behalf of the people of Canada, Parks Canada manages a nationwide network that makes up a rich tapestry of Canada's historical heritage and offers the public opportunities for real and inspiring discoveries.

For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.