Persons of National Historic Significance
Introduction '''Persons of National Historic Significance''' ('''National Historic People''') are people designated by the Canadian government as being nationally significant in the history of the country. Designations are made by the Minister of the Environment on the recommendation of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. Approximately 70 nominations are submitted to the board each year. A person is eligible to be listed 25 years after death, but Prime Ministers may be designated any time after death. Parks Canada administers the program, and installs and maintains the federal plaques commonly erected to commemorate each person, usually placed at a site closely associated with them. The intent is generally to honour the person's contribution to the country but is always to educate the public about that person.Canada has related programs for the designation of National Historic Sites and National Historic Events. Events, Sites, and Persons are each typically marked by a federal plaque, but the markers do not indicate which designation a subject has been given. The Welland Canal is an Event, while the Rideau Canal is a Site. The cairn and plaque to John McDonell (Aberchalder) does not refer to a National Historic Person, but is erected because his home, Glengarry House, is a National Historic Site. Similarly, the plaque to John Guy officially marks not a Person, but an Event—the Landing of John Guy.
List of persons of national historic significance  this list contains 734 entries. The searchable database provided by Parks Canada returns 732 records, and may not be up to date.NameRoleYear designatedMaude Abbott Medical researcher1993John AbbottPrime Minister1938William AberhartPremier (Alberta), Social Credit leader1974Gabriel Acquin Hunter, cultural broker, Maliseet guide1999Frank Dawson Adams Geologist1943Mary Electa Adams Women's education reformer2004Thomas Adams Town planner2019William Maxwell Aitken, 1st Baron Beaverbrook Businessman, press baron, philanthropist2016Thomas Beamish Akins Historian1938Emma Albani Musician (opera soprano)1937William Donald Albright Journalist, agriculturalist, promoted development of Peace River district1954Grant Allen Author1938Susan Louisa Moir Allison Author, historian (First Nations)2007Walter Seymour Allward Sculptor2002Adams George ArchibaldFather of Confederation, Lieutenant-Governor (Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia)1938Edith Archibald Women's rights1997Edward William Archibald Surgeon1998Samuel George William ArchibaldAttorney General (Nova Scotia), Chief Justice (Prince Edward Island)1939Joseph E. Atkinson Publisher, philanthropist1986Philippe-Joseph Aubert de Gaspé Author1974Charles Aubert de La Chesnaye Businessman1971George Back Artist, Arctic explorer1973William BaffinArctic explorer1972Charles BagotGovernor General (British North America), role in responsible government1926Frederick Walker Baldwin Engineer1957Robert Baldwin Co-premier (Province of Canada), reformer, role in responsible government1937Frederick Banting Medical researcher (insulin), shared Nobel Prize1945Marius Barbeau Ethnographer, folklorist1985William George Barker Military, World War I pilot1998Robert BartlettArctic explorer1969Arthur Beauchesne Parliamentary expert2003François BeaulieuMétis leader2000Adam Beck Politician, founded Ontario Hydro1938William George Beers Dentist, developed modern sport of lacrosse1976Matthew Baillie Begbie Judge, Chief Justice (British Columbia)1959Edward Belcher Naval officer, surveyor1938Georges-Antoine Belcourt Missionary, banker1959Mabel Hubbard Bell Aeronautical investor, founder of educational & social organizations2018Robert Bell Geologist (Chief Geologist of Canada), explorer1938John Wilson Bengough Cartoonist, journalist, poet, lecturer1938Charles Fox Bennett Businessman, politician1975R. B. BennettPrime Minister1949William Berczy Pioneer, painter2016Joseph-Elzéar Bernier Mariner (promoted Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic Archipelago)1961Norman Bethune Physician, political activist1972William Beynon (Gusgai'in)First Nations chief, ethnographer1989Michel Bibaud Poet, historian1944Mary and Henry Bibb Author, abolitionist, publisher (African Canadian community)2002Big Bear (Misto-ha-a-Musqua)First Nations leader (Plains Cree), role in North-West Rebellion1971Billy BishopWorld War I pilot, Victoria Cross recipient1980Davidson Black Physician, paleontologist (Peking Man)1974Martha Black Politician (second woman Member of Parliament)1987Thornton and Lucie Blackburn Escaped slaves, founded Toronto's first taxi operation1999Edward BlakePremier (Ontario)1937Richard BlanshardGovernor (Vancouver Island)1951Jean Blewett Journalist, poet1946La Bolduc (Mary Travers) Musician1992Joseph-Armand Bombardier Businessman, inventor (snowmobile)1994Robert BondPrime Minister (Newfoundland, pre-Confederation)1975Robert BordenPrime Minister1938Jim Boss Assisted First Nations in the Yukon2001Pierre Boucher Author, government official, First Nations interpreter1978Joseph Bouchette Author, cartographer, Surveyor General of Lower Canada1937Sieurs de La Boularderie (Louis-Simon le Poupet de la Boularderie, his son Antoine) Settlers (Cape Breton)1964Henri Bourassa Politician, publisher (''Le Devoir'')1962Marguerite Bourgeoys Nun, founded first Canadian religious community (Congregation of Notre Dame)1985John George BourinotHouse of Commons clerk, founded Royal Society of Canada1938Mackenzie BowellPrime Minister1945Joseph W. Boyle Businessman (mining)1984Joseph Brant (Thayendanega)First Nations leader (Mohawk), British ally, settler, slave trader1972Mary Brant (Tekonwatonti)First Nations leader (Six Nations)1994John Gough Brick Missionary, settler1954Emmanuel Briffa Theatre decorator2007Isaac BrockSoldier2010Allan Brooks Artist (wildlife)1999Harriet Brooks Nuclear physicist2005Joseph Broussard Acadian leader and defender2023George BrownFather of Confederation, publisher (''Globe''), abolitionist (Underground Railroad)1950George Browne Architect2008James Bruce, 8th Earl of ElginGovernor General (British North America, pre-Confederation), role in responsible government1953Étienne Brûlé Explorer, Coureur de bois, lived among First Nations1984George Bryce Educator (Manitoba College), historian1947Douglas Brymner Archivist, founded Public Archives of Canada1938John BuchanGovernor-General2010Patrick Burns Rancher, businessman, Senator1960Thomas ButtonArctic explorer1972John By Engineer (Rideau Canal)1954George Frederick Cameron Journalist, poet1946Lydia Campbell Author2009Alexander CampbellFather of Confederation1939William Wilfred Campbell Writer1938Charles Camsell Geologist, Commissioner (Northwest Territories)2001William Canniff Physician, historian, teacher1945Guy Carleton, 1st Baron DorchesterGovernor (Quebec, pre-Confederation), Governor-in-Chief (British North America)1974John Carling Brewer, politician, founded Dominion Experimental Farms1938Bliss Carman Poet1945Emily Carr Author, painter1950Father Henry Carr College leader, Univ. of Toronto president2012William Carson Businessman, physician, reformer1954Frederick CarterFather of Confederation, Prime Minister (Newfoundland, pre-Confederation)1959George-Étienne CartierFather of Confederation, French-Canadian statesman1937Jacques Cartier Early French explorer paved way for settlement2011Richard John Cartwright Politician1938Joseph Casavant Manufacturer (pipe organs)1974Thérèse Casgrain Suffragist, politician2022 Ethel Catherwood Athlete 2023René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle Explorer, founded Lachine, rebuilt Fort Frontenac1934Claude Champagne Musician (composer)1988Samuel de Champlain Explorer, founded Quebec City, "The Father of New France"1929Edward Barron ChandlerFather of Confederation, Lieutenant-Governor (New Brunswick)1939Jean-Charles ChapaisFather of Confederation, Senator1943Thomas Chapais Historian, Senator1955Joseph-Adolphe ChapleauPremier (Quebec), politician1974Margaret Ridley Charlton Medical librarian, co-founder Medical Library Association2003William Henry Chase Businessman, philanthropist1939Gaspard-Joseph Chaussegros de Léry Seigneur, military leader, politician2006Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve Military officer, founded Montreal1985Robert Christie Historian, politician1938Francis Clergue Businessman (Sault Ste. Marie industry)1987Lucille Clifton ('Wii Nii Puun) (1876–1962) Clan leader, cultural defender2016John Clinch Clergyman, physician (vaccination)1964William Coaker Union leader, politician1985James CockburnFather of Confederation, first House of Commons Speaker1939 Kathleen Blake Coleman Innovative newspaper editor2011George ColesFather of Confederation1939Enos Collins Businessman (Halifax)1974Lionel Conacher Athlete (Grey Cup, NHL)1976Ralph Connor (Charles William Gordon) Novelist1938James Cook Explorer, surveyor1954Chloe Cooley Enslaved protestor2022George Copway (Kahgegagahbowh) Writer, indigenous rights leader2018William Cormack Explorer (Newfoundland)1953Ernest Cormier Architect2018Louis de la Corne, Chevalier de la Corne Military officer1953Edward Cornwallis Military officer, Governor (Nova Scotia), founded Halifax1974Phillips Cosby Military commander (Royal Navy, Mediterranean)1945Laurence Coughlan Itinerant preacher1965George Albertus Cox Businessman, Senator1990James Henry CoynePresident Ontario Historical Society, member Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada1945Isabella Valancy Crawford Poet, writer1947Helen Creighton Folklorist, author2018James George Aylwin Creighton Lawyer, engineer, journalist, athlete (development of ice hockey)2008Octave Crémazie Poet1937Thomas Crerar Politician (Progressive Party leader)2004Jean-Baptiste de La Croix de Chevrières de Saint-Vallier Bishop1990A. E. Cross Businessman, politician, co-founder Calgary Stampede1971Crowfoot (Isapo-Muxika)First Nations leader, role in North-West Rebellion1945Ernest Alexander Cruikshank Historian, original chairman Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada1943Maurice Galbraith Cullen Artist1944Samuel Cunard Businessman (shipping)1937Arthur Currie Military officer (World War I)1934Augustin CuvillierSpeaker (Lower Canada), banker (Bank of Montreal)1969Louis Cyr Wrestler, weightlifter1976John Wesley Dafoe Journalist (''Winnipeg Free Press'')1974William Davidson Lumberman, politician1949Louis Henry DaviesPremier (Prince Edward Island), judge (Chief Justice)1937Nicholas Flood Davin Publisher (''The Leader'', Regina), politician1947John DavisArctic explorer1972George Mercer Dawson Scientist, surveyor1937John William Dawson Geologist, university administrator (McGill)1943Robert MacGregor Dawson Political scientist1975Louis de Buade de FrontenacGovernor General (New France, pre-Confederation)1974Louis-Hector de Callière Politician, diplomat2001Amor De CosmosPremier (British Columbia), journalist (''British Colonist'')1938Dorimène Desjardins Business and co-op organizer2012Mazo de la Roche Novelist1976James De Mille Novelist, humorist, professor1937Agathe de Saint-Père de Repentigny (1657–1747) Symbol of women's entrepreneurism in New France2016Charles de Salaberry Military officer (War of 1812)1934Demasduit Among the final surviving Beothuks2000Modeste Demers Bishop, missionary1973George Taylor Denison Soldier, community leader, founded Canada First Movement, Imperial Federation League, role in North-West Rebellion1937Nicolas Denys Explorer, trader, colonizer (Acadia)1924Carrie Derick Botanist2007Joseph Frederick Wallet DesBarresLieutenant-Governor (Cape Breton), cartographer1925Alphonse Desjardins Businessman, began Caisse Populaire system1971Viola Desmond Civil rights activist2018Edouard DevilleSurveyor General, developed photogrammetry1971Edgar DewdneyLieutenant-Governor (Northwest Territories, British Columbia), reassigned territorial capital to Regina1975Robert B. DickeyFather of Confederation1939Punch Dickins Bush pilot1995John DiefenbakerPrime Minister1981 George Dixon Boxer 2021Thomas Dixson Soldier (Fort Beauséjour)1938DonnaconaFirst Nations leader (Iroquois), kidnapped by Jacques Cartier1981Antoine-Aimé Dorion Cabinet minister (Justice), Chief Justice (Quebec)1937Onésime Dorval Teacher (Saskatchewan)1954Arthur DoughtyDominion Archivist, historian1991David Douglas Botanist (Douglas Fir)1979Howard DouglasLieutenant-Governor (New Brunswick), Chancellor (King's College, University of New Brunswick)1925James DouglasGovernor (Vancouver Island, British Columbia)1944Thomas Clement "Tommy" Douglas (1904–1986)Premier, founding leader of the NDP, father of single payer healthcare2016Thomas Douglas, 5th Earl of Selkirk Philanthropist, colonizer1943Gordon Drummond Military leader, role in War of 18121928Charles Carter Drury Naval leader1938Lyman DuffChief Justice, constitutional expert1971Frederick Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood, 1st Marquess of Dufferin and AvaGovernor General, diplomat, traveller, writer1975Jeanne DugasAcadian survivor of multiple displacements, symbol of resilience2016Margaret Duley Novelist (Newfoundland)1976Gabriel DumontMétis leader, role in North-West Rebellion1981Sara Jeannette Duncan Journalist, author2016Charles Avery DunningPremier (Saskatchewan); cabinet minister (Finance)1985Robert Dunsmuir Coal miner, industrialist, politician1971Maurice DuplessisPremier (Quebec), founded Union Nationale1974Ernest Melville DuPorteScientist and teacher known for study of parasites2010Ludger DuvernayPrinter-publisher in Lower Canada, revived Saint-Jean-Baptiste celebrations2019Dorothy Dworkin Nurse, businesswoman, supported Jewish immigrants2009Timothy Eaton Businessman1971Ezra Butler Eddy Businessman (forestry products, matches)1976Charles Edenshaw (Tahagen, Tahayren) Artist (Haïda)1971Henrietta Edwards Women's rights activist, reformer1962Mina Benson Hubbard Ellis Explorer, author2018J. S. Ewart Lawyer, role in Manitoba schools dispute1966Robert Falconer University president1944Aegidius Fauteux Librarian, historian1955Edward Feild Clergyman, bishop, academic2003Reginald Fessenden Inventor (radio, sonic depth finder)1943Peter Fidler Explorer, trader, surveyor (Hudson's Bay Company)1953William Stevens FieldingPremier (Nova Scotia), cabinet minister (Finance)1938Charles FisherFather of Confederation, Premier (New Brunswick)1939Charles FitzpatrickChief Justice, Lieutenant-Governor (Quebec), role in North-West Rebellion, lawyer for Louis Riel1973Michael Anthony Fleming Bishop2003Sandford Fleming Engineer and inventor (Standard Time)1950James Fletcher Entomologist2016Marc-Aurèle Fortin Painter2011Pierre-Étienne Fortin Politician, physician1953Rose Fortune Businesswoman, first female police officer in Canada2018George Eulas Foster Politician, academic (League of Nations)1938Terry Fox Humanitarian, athlete (Marathon of Hope)2008Luke FoxArctic explorer1972Gustave Francq Trade unionist, publisher (''Le Monde ouvrier''/''The Labor World'')2008John FranklinArctic explorer1945Archibald Fraser Industrialist (lumber)1975Simon Fraser (1776–1862) Explorer, fur trader2016Louis-Honoré Fréchette Poet, author1937Lillian Bilsky Freiman Organizer, philanthropist2008Benjamin Frobisher Fur trader (North West Company)1973Joseph Frobisher Fur trader, businessman (North West Company)1973Martin FrobisherArctic explorer1957Thomas Frobisher Fur trader, established Île-à-la-Crosse post1973Northrop Frye Educator, author, literary critic & theorist2018Thomas Fuller (1823–1898) Architect2016Marie-Anne Gaboury Settler, grandmother of Louis Riel1982William James Gage Publisher (W. J. Gage, textbooks)1938Clarence Gagnon Artist1944Larry Gains Heavyweight boxing champion2020Alexander Tilloch GaltFather of Confederation, politician, businessman1944William Francis Ganong Botanist, cartographer, historian1945James Garfield GardinerPremier (Saskatchewan), cabinet minister (Agriculture)1975François-Xavier Garneau Historian1937Pierre Gaultier de La Vérendrye Explorer, fur trader1920Cyril Genik Supported Ukrainian immigration in western Canada1995Antoine Gérin-Lajoie Journalist, lawyer1939Marie Lacoste Gérin-Lajoie Women's rights activist1997Abraham Pineo Gesner Physician, geologist, inventor of kerosene1954John Murray Gibbon Writer, cultural promoter (Canadian Authors' Association)1954Mifflin Wistar Gibbs Politician, businessman, human rights activist2009Alexander Gibson Industrialist2007Robert Giffard de Moncel Nobleman, colonizer, physician, surgeon1955Humphrey Gilbert Unsuccessful colonizer (Newfoundland)1981Edouard Percy Cranwill Girouard Military engineer, developed African railways1938Oliver Goldsmith Poet1944Glenn Gould Classical musician2012Enid Gordon Graham Physiotherapist2014Mary Grannan Children's author & broadcaster2018Cuthbert GrantMétis leader1972George Monro Grant Educator, writer, university principal (Queen's)1937Louis-Pierre Gravel Promoted settlement and agriculture1956John Hamilton GrayFather of Confederation, Speaker (New Brunswick)1939John Hamilton GrayFather of Confederation, Premier (Prince Edward Island)1939Wilfred Grenfell Medical missionary (Newfoundland and Labrador)1959Grey Owl (Archibald Belaney) Conservationist, author, speaker1993Lionel Groulx Clergyman, historian, Quebec nationalist1972Helena GutteridgeSuffragette and politician2010Casimir GzowskiLieutenant-Governor (Ontario), engineer, constructed railroads, Niagara Parks Commission chair1956Roderick Langmere Haig-Brown Writer, conservationist2016Frederick HaldimandGovernor (Quebec), settler1974Arthur Lawrence Haliburton (Lord Haliburton) Military officer, civil servant1938Thomas Chandler Haliburton Author, satirist1936William Neilson Hall First Victoria Cross recipient of African heritage2008Ishbel Hamilton-Gordon, Marchioness of Aberdeen and Temair Established Victorian Order of Nurses, National Council of Women1979Ned Hanlan Athlete (rowing champion)1938Arthur Sturgis HardyPremier, Attorney General (Ontario)1948James B. Harkin First national parks commissioner, established Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada1955Lawren Harris Artist (Group of Seven)1970Robert Harris Artist (painted Fathers of Confederation)1945Ezekiel Hart Entrepreneur, politician, first Jew to be elected a legislator in the British Empire1995Julia Catherine (Beckwith) Hart Author (''St. Ursula's Convent'')1951John HarveyLieutenant-Governor (Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick), Governor (Newfoundland)1974Frederick W. A. G. HaultainPremier (Northwest Territories), Chief Justice (Saskatchewan)1946Thomas Heath HavilandFather of Confederation1939Sir Edmund Walker Head, 8th BaronetLieutenant-Governor (New Brunswick), Governor General (British North America, pre-Confederation)1974Abraham Albert HeapsPolitician and labour leader2010Samuel Hearne Explorer, Governor (Prince of Wales Fort)1936Louis-Philippe Hébert Artist (Quebec sculptor)1937Theodor August Heintzman Manufacturer (pianos)1974Anthony Henday Explorer, fur trader1953John Hendry Industrialist (lumber)1988Louis Hennepin Clergyman, explorer, cartographer2008Alexander Henry the elder Fur trader1973Alexander Henry the younger Fur trader (North West Company)1973William Alexander HenryFather of Confederation1939Josiah Henson Author, abolitionist, minister, role in Underground Railroad1995William Hespeler Businessman, immigration agent, politician2000James Jerome Hill Businessman (Red River Transportation Company, Great Northern Railway)1938Francis Hincks Politician1969Ella Cora Hind Women's rights activist1997Henry Youle Hind Scientist, explorer, surveyor, author2018Gilles Hocquart Administrator, Intendant (New France), established Les Forges du Saint-Maurice1974Samuel Holland Engineer, Surveyor General (Quebec)1989Luther Hamilton Holton Businessman, banker, cabinet minister (Finance)1938Adelaide Hoodless Educational reformer1960Frederic William Howay Historian, lawyer, judge1944C. D. Howe Cabinet minister, established Atomic Energy of Canada1984Joseph HowePremier (Nova Scotia), role in responsible government1983William Pearce HowlandFather of Confederation1959James Patrick Howley Naturalist, geologist2016Henry HudsonArctic explorer (Hudson and James Bays)1973Sam Hughes Cabinet minister (Militia and Defence), journalist, soldier1969William Roper Hull Businessman, philanthropist, developer1988John Peters Humphrey Human rights advocate, jurist, scholar2022George Hunt Linguist, ethnologist (West Coast cultures)1989Harold Innis Economist, historian (communications theory)1972Ipirvik and TaqulittuqInuit couple, assisted Arctic exploration1981James IsbisterMétis leader1997A. Y. Jackson Artist (Group of Seven)1974Charles William Jefferys Artist1954Diamond Jenness Anthropologist (First Nations culture)1973Louis-Amable JettéLieutenant-Governor and Chief Justice (Quebec)1945Sylvester Joe Aboriginal guide2002Ethel Johns Nurse, educator, administrator2009Pauline Johnson (Tekahionwakeh) Poet, speaker (First Nations)1945Edward Johnson Singer, manager (Metropolitan Opera Company)1974John Mercer JohnsonFather of Confederation1939Louis Jolliet Explorer (Mississippi River, with Marquette)1944Sigtryggur JónassonManitoba politician and Icelandic-Canadian leader2010William Judge Missionary (Yukon)1987Peter Jones (Kahkewaquonaby)First Nations leader, clergyman1996Israel Isaac KahanovitchManitoba rabbi and leader2010Paul Kane Artist (Canadian West paintings)1937Thomas Keefer Engineer, railroader (Hamilton Waterworks)1938Henry Kelsey Explorer, fur trader1931John Kennedy Civil engineer (Montreal harbour)2001William Frederick King Surveyor, astronomer, civil servant (established Geodetic Survey of Canada, Dominion Observatory)1959Reverend William King Clergyman, abolitionist2005William Lyon Mackenzie KingPrime Minister1967Charles Edmund KingsmillFounder of the Navy2010William Kirby Writer, historian (''Annals of Niagara'')1946David Kirke Adventurer, colonizer, Governor (Newfoundland)1968A. M. Klein Writer, lawyer (Jewish literature)2007Otto Julius Klotz Astronomer, geographer (Dominion Observatory)1938Leon Joseph Koerner Industrialist (forestry)2009Kondiaronk Negotiator (Treaty of 1701)2001Cornelius Krieghoff Artist1972Chief Kw'ehLeader of Dakelh people, British Columbia2011John Kinder Labatt Businessman (brewery)1971Curé Antoine Labelle Colonizer of the Laurentians, priest, politician2019Albert Lacombe Missionary1932Édouard Lacroix Businessman, politician2006Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine Jurist, statesman, co-Premier (Province of Canada, pre-Confederation)1937Jean-Baptiste Lagimodière Trapper, grandfather of Louis Riel1981David LairdLieutenant-Governor (Northwest Territories), cabinet minister (Interior)1950John Lambton, 1st Earl of DurhamGovernor General, High Commissioner (British North America)1974Catherine Beaulieu Bouvier Lamoureux Defender of Métis culture2011Archibald Lampman Poet1920Pierre-Amand Landry Lawyer, judge, politician, first Acadian to be knighted1955Franklin Knight LaneAmerican politician, born in Prince Edward Island1938Hector-Louis LangevinFather of Confederation, cabinet minister (Public Works)1938Sam Langford Boxer1987Ernest Lapointe Cabinet minister1954Margaret Laurence Novelist, academic2016Wilfrid LaurierPrime Minister1938François de Laval Bishop1972Calixa Lavallée Musician ("O Canada")1966Marguerite Vincent Lawinonkié Artist2008Sheridan Lawrence Farmer, businessman, judge1954Olivier Le Jeune First Black resident, first Black slave2022James MacPherson Le Moine Author, historian, ornithologist (Royal Society of Canada)1938Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville Soldier, explorer, administrator1937Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de BienvilleGovernor (Louisiana), founded Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans1953Charles le Moyne de Longueuil et de Châteauguay and family Family of soldiers and colonizers1957Stephen Leacock Writer, economist, particularly as humorist1946Ozias Leduc Painter2018Camille Lefebvre Clergyman, established Acadian Renaissance Movement1997Jean-Louis Légaré Settler, trader1969Rodolphe LemieuxSpeaker and cabinet minister (House of Commons), professor1973Charles Lennox, 4th Duke of RichmondGovernor General1923Irma LeVasseur Physician (pediatrics)2008Arthur Lismer Artist (Group of Seven)1974Philip Francis LittlePremier (pre-confederation Newfoundland), role in responsible government2007Kathleen 'Kay' LivingstoneFeminist-activist for blacks2011George Lloyd Bishop, helped found Lloydminster1953George Locke Librarian (Toronto Public Libraries), author, historian1939Grace Annie Lockhart First woman in British Empire to receive university bachelor's degree1991William Edmond Logan Geologist (director, Geological Survey of Canada)1967Jean-Baptiste Lolo Interpreter, guide, trader, peacemaker2012Tom Longboat Athlete, Boston Marathon winner1976Frances Loring Sculptor2011Albert Peter Low Geologist, explorer, athlete, surveyor1972John MacIntosh Lyle Architect (Beaux-Arts style)2008Archibald Macallum Biochemist, founded National Research Council1938Thomas Bassett Macaulay Businessman (insurance)1997Andrew Archibald MacdonaldFather of Confederation1939James E.H. MacDonald Artist (Group of Seven)1974Margaret C. MacDonald Nurse (World War I)1982John MacDonald of Glenaladale Organized settlement of PEI2012John A. MacdonaldFather of Confederation, Prime Minister1939William Christopher Macdonald Manufacturer, philanthropist (Macdonald Tobacco)1974Alexander Macdonell Bishop1924Angus Bernard MacEachern Bishop1968Elsie MacGill Aeronautical engineer2007Helen Gregory MacGill Judge, campaigned for women's suffrage1998 Agnes Maule Machar Patriotic writer, social commentator2015Alexander Mackenzie Explorer2016Alexander MackenziePrime Minister1957William Mackenzie Railway entrepreneur (Canadian Northern Railway)1976William Lyon Mackenzie Politician, journalist, led Upper Canada Rebellion1949Pegi Nicol MacLeod Modernist painter2011Archibald MacMechan Professor, writer1946H. R. MacMillan Forester, industrialist1987Ernest MacMillan Musician, composer, conductor1984Helen MacMurchy Doctor, author, health care reformer1997Allan MacNabPremier (Province of Canada), politician, judge1937John Macoun Botanist, advocate of the West2011Agnes Macphail First female Member of Parliament1985Andrew Macphail Physician, author, professor1945Charles Alexander Magrath Surveyor, engineer, first mayor of Lethbridge, Alberta1950Charles Mair Poet, nationalist, promoted western development1937Jeanne Mance Settler, nurse, established hospital (Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal)1998Donald Mann Railroader (Canadian Northern Railway)1976Charles Marega Artist2009Marie-Victorin Botanist, monastic, author, educator1987Jacques Marquette Priest, explorer (Mississippi River, with Louis Jolliet)1937Paul MascareneLieutenant-Governor (Nova Scotia), defended Annapolis Royal1929Kèsh (Skookum Jim Mason) Explorer, discovered gold (Yukon)1994Vincent MasseyGovernor General1974Hart Massey Businessman, philanthropist (Massey-Harris, Massey Hall)1971MatonabbeeFirst Nations leader, role in Samuel Hearne expedition1981Wilfrid R. "Wop" May Aviator (World War I ace, established bush piloting)1974Peter McArthur Writer, farmer1946Richard McBridePremier and Agent General (British Columbia)1938Francis Leopold McClintockArctic explorer1972Nellie McClung Politician, feminist, social activist (first female board member of CBC)1954Robert McClureArctic explorer1972Grant McConachie Businessman, aviator (development of northwestern Canadian service)2007David Ross McCord Lawyer, philanthropist, founded McCord Museum in Montreal2000John McCrae Physician, soldier, poet ("In Flanders Fields")1946Thomas McCulloch Educator (Pictou Academy, Dalhousie College)1959Jonathan McCullyFather of Confederation1939John Alexander Douglas McCurdy Aviator (first to pilot an aircraft in British Empire), Lieutenant-Governor (Nova Scotia)1974George Millward McDougall Missionary, role in Treaty 61969William McDougallFather of Confederation, politician1943Duncan McNab McEachran Veterinarian2016Thomas D'Arcy McGeeFather of Confederation, writer, Irish nationalist1943Donald McKay Ship designer and builder1938R. Tait McKenzie Surgeon, artist, physical educator1958Louise McKinney First female legislator in the British Empire (Alberta)1939Samuel McLaughlin Businessman, philanthropist (automotive industry)1989John McLoughlinHudson's Bay Company chief factor, "Father of Oregon"1951Marshall McLuhan Professor, author (media analysis)2007William McMaster Businessman, Senator, banker1990Violet Clara McNaughton Social reformer (Women Grain Growers)1997Alexander James McPhail Social reformer (agriculture), Canadian Wheat Pool president1971Arthur MeighenPrime Minister1961Jean-Baptiste Meilleur Doctor, educator2002Henri Membertou (Anli-Maopeltoog)First Nations leader, role in establishing Mi'kmaq-French Alliance1981Men of Letters (Acadia) – (Pascal Poirier, Placide Gaudet, John Clarence Webster, Israël Landry and Ferdinand-Joseph Robidoux) Writers (Acadia)1955Charles de Menou d'AulnayGovernor (Acadia), colonizer1972Honoré MercierPremier (Quebec), journalist, lawyer1938William Hamilton Merritt Businessman, role in building the Welland Canal1974Mikak Female symbol of Inuit self-determination2011David Mills Cabinet minister (Interior and Justice)1954David Milne (1882–1953) Artist2016Mattie MitchellMi’kmaq guide, prospector, explorer and hunter (Newfoundland)2001Peter MitchellFather of Confederation, Prime Minister (New Brunswick, pre-Confederation)1938MokwinaFirst Nations leader (Moachat Confederacy)1987John MolsonBrewer, entrepreneur2021William Molson Businessman1971Charles Monck, 4th Viscount Monck First Governor General of Confederation1974Lucy Maud Montgomery Author (Anne of Green Gables)1943Frederick Montizambert Physician, civil servant (quarantining)1998Susanna Moodie Author, settler1975Sewell Moody Businessman (sawmills)1988Howie Morenz Hockey player1976Frederick Cleveland MorganMontreal museum curator2012Henry James Morgan Author, historian, archivist2016Adrien-Gabriel Morice Missionary, author1948Augustin-Norbert Morin Lawyer, Superior Court Justice, role in Reform Coalition1938James Wilson Morrice Artist1954Alexander MorrisChief Justice (Manitoba), politician, role in 1864 Great Coalition1971Arthur Silver Morton Teacher, historian, archivist (Saskatchewan)1952William Richard Motherwell Cabinet minister (Agriculture); established Territorial Grain Growers' Association1966Oliver MowatFather of Confederation, Premier (Ontario)1934John MunnNewfoundland outport merchant, civic leader2016Beamish Murdoch Lawyer, politician, writer1937Emily Murphy First female judge in British Empire, author, women's rights activist1958James MurrayGovernor (Quebec), Military Governor (Quebec District)1955Leonard W. Murray Admiral (North Atlantic Convoy, World War II)1977Anthony MusgraveGovernor (Newfoundland, British Columbia), role in British Columbia joining Confederation1975 Nahnebahwequay Ojibwa spokeswoman and Christian missionary 2021James Naismith Inventor of basketball, physician, promoter of physical education1976Thomas Nangle Cleric, chaplain, war memorial planner, politician2016Neekaneet (Foremost Man)First Nations leader (Plains Cree)1981John Neilson Politician, editor, journalist, reformer1976Émile Nelligan Poet (L'École littéraire de Montréal)1974NescambiouitFirst Nations leader2005Simon Newcomb Astronomer, mathematician (United States Naval Observatory, Nautical Almanac)1935Gilbert Stuart Newton Artist (Royal Academy)1944Margaret Newton Scientist (agriculture, grains)1996Guido Nincheri Artist, decorator2007Percy Erskine Nobbs Architect2008Charles Sherwood Noble Inventor (agricultural machinery)2002John NorquayPremier (Manitoba), Métis statesman1943John Norton (Teyoninhokarawen) Native political and military leader2011William Notman Photographer, businessman1975Harold Anthony Oaks Bush pilot (Patricia Airways)1974Jonathan Odell Poet, clergyman, surgeon, Secretary (New Brunswick)1959William OgilvieCommissioner (Yukon), surveyor, explorer, author1970Joseph Oleskiw Professor, promoted Ukrainian immigration1996Frank Oliver Cabinet minister (Interior), journalist1947Onondeyoh (Frederick Ogilvie Loft) Opposed residential schools, founded League of Indians2019David OppenheimerMayor (Vancouver), businessman, Jewish community leader2008Oronhyatekha First Canadian First Nations physician2001William Osler Physician, medical researcher and educator1950Léo-Ernest Ouimet Filmmaker, producer, distributor, theatre operator2018Daniel David Palmer Founded chiropractic medicine1993Edward PalmerFather of Confederation, Premier (Prince Edward Island)1939 Théophile Panadis Defender of Abenaki traditions2011Louis-Joseph Papineau Politician, lawyer, seigneur (Montebello, la Petite-Nation), Patriot Movement leader1937Étienne Parent Civil servant, journalist, editor ''Le Canadien''1974Sir Gilbert Parker, 1st Baronet Politician, author (romance novels)1938Elizabeth Parker Co-founded Alpine Club of Canada2011George Robert Parkin Author, educator, Imperial Federation Movement leader1938Irene Parlby Politician, rural leader, campaigned to allow women in the Senate1966William Edward ParryArctic explorer1971Edward Alexander Partridge Agrarian activist, farmer, author2018Walter PattersonGovernor (Prince Edward Island)1974Andrew PaullSquamish leader, rights advocate2012The Peacemakers: Albert Lacombe, John McDougall Brokered peace between First Nations groups1932William Pearce Surveyor, planner (western Canada)1973Lester B. PearsonPrime Minister1974Paul Peel Artist (of the French Academic School)1937Francis PegahmagabowWar hero and activist for Native rights2019Chief PeguisFirst Nations leader2008Wilfrid Pelletier Orchestra conductor, founded Conservatoire de musique et d'art dramatique du Québec1988Wilder Penfield Neurosurgeon (Montreal Neurological Institute)1988Simeon Perkins Businessman, diarist, politician1946Nicolas Perrot Explorer, diplomat, fur trader1952Thomas Peters Advocate for African-Americans in Nova Scotia after the Revolution; founder of Sierra Leone 2022Piapot First Nations leader1981Richard Pierpoint Senegalese slave fought for Britain in the American Revolution and War of 1812; formed the Colored Corps2020Pitikwahanapiwiyin (Poundmaker)First Nations leader1967Peter Pitseolak Photographer, artist, historian, hunter1981John Stanley Plaskett Astronomer (Dominion Astrophysical Observatory)1949Peter Pond Fur trader, cartographer, explorer (role in establishing North West Company)1951Georgina Pope Nurse (first matron of Army Medical Corps)1983James Colledge PopePremier (Prince Edward Island), cabinet minister (Marine and Fisheries)1938Joseph Pope Civil servant, author1938William Henry PopeFather of Confederation1939Charles Gavan PowerDefense Minister, expanded Air Force2013Philip Louis Pratley Bridge designer (Dominion Bridge Company)2005E. J. Pratt Poet1975Richard Preston Escaped slaved, black community leader2005George Prevost President2016William Price Businessman, politician (forest products)2003Thomas George "Tommy" Prince Decorated war veteran (WWII, Korea), Native activist2019Léon Abel Provancher Priest, naturalist, author1994Pierre-Esprit Radisson Explorer, cartographer, fur trader, role in Hudson's Bay Company1971John Rae Explorer, physician, fur trader1973James Ralston Cabinet minister (National Defence)1973Alice Ravenhill Educator, author, social and educational reformer2008Donald Strathearn Rawson Limnologist and conservationist2019Red CrowFirst Nations leader (Blood tribe), signatory to Treaty 71977John Reeves Judge, historian1995George Agnew Reid Artist, president (Ontario Society of Artists, Royal Canadian Academy of Art)1948Marcel-François Richard Role in Acadia – developed flag, anthem and patron day2004William Buell RichardsSupreme Court of Canada judge1938Harriette Taber RichardsonPromoted reconstruction of Port Royal Habitation1949John Richardson Soldier (War of 1812), poet, novelist, established ''New Era journal''1938Louis RielMétis leader, role in North-West Rebellion1956John William RitchieFather of Confederation, Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice1959Joseph-Noël Ritchot Clergyman1990Charles G.D. Roberts Poet1945Charles Walker Robinson Soldier, author1938John Beverley Robinson Mayor (Toronto), Lieutenant-Governor (Ontario), leader of Family Compact1937John RobsonPremier (British Columbia), established first British Columbia newspaper1938Marie Marguerite Rose Abolitionist, freed slave2008Sir John Rose, 1st Baronet Politician, banker, diplomat1973Bobbie Rosenfeld Athlete (Olympic gold medalist)1976Alexander Ross Fur trader, author, role in Pacific Fur Company and North West Company1951James Hamilton RossMember of North-West Council and Assembly, Commissioner (Yukon)1948George William RossPremier (Ontario), Senate Liberal leader1937James Clark RossArctic explorer1972John RossArctic explorer1972John Rowand Fur trader, Chief factor (Hudson's Bay Company)1954Gabrielle Roy Author2008Louis Rubenstein Champion figure skater, sports administrator/promoter2016Ernest Rutherford Physicist (nuclear pioneer)1939Egerton Ryerson Clergyman, educator, politician, school advocate1934Mary Anne Sadlier Author (religious subjects)2008Idola Saint-Jean Women's rights activist1997Bernard Keble Sandwell Editor, writer, role in ''Saturday Night''1955Edward Sapir Anthropologist, linguist, expert on First Nations1983Margaret Marshall Saunders Author1947Charles E. Saunders Agronomist (Marquis wheat)1938William Saunders Pharmacist, scientist, civil servant, author, role with Experimental farms1952Savalette Established Acadian "sedentary" fisheries1944Frank W. Schofield Veterinarian2009Jacob Gould Schurman Educator, philosopher, academic president (Cornell University)1943Duncan Campbell Scott Poet (Confederation poets)1948Richard William Scott Politician, supported Ontario Separate School Act1938Joseph E. Seagram Alcohol distiller, politician1971Laura Secord Heroine, War of 18122002Hans Selye Medical researcher (stress)1989Ernest Thompson Seton Writer, conservationist, artist, social reformer1995Jonathan SewellChief Justice (Lower Canada), supported Confederation1956Mary Ann Shadd Editor, leader (Black Refugee Movement)1994Shanawdithit Last surviving Beothuk2000Ambrose SheaFather of Confederation, Speaker (Newfoundland House)1959Francis Joseph Sherman Poet, banker1945Adam Shortt Historian, author, role in Canadian Civil Service Commission1938Clifford Sifton Cabinet minister (Interior), promoted immigration1955John Graves SimcoeLieutenant-Governor (Upper Canada), military leader (Queen's Rangers)1974George SimpsonGovernor-in-Chief (Rupert's Land), General Superintendent (Hudson's Bay Company)1927Thomas SimpsonArctic explorer1937Oscar D. Skelton Historian, economist, established Department of External Affairs1947Frank Leith Skinner Horticulturalist1997Joshua Slocum Mariner, explorer, author, first solo sailor to travel throughout the world1957Charlotte SmallMétis figure, role in fur trade2008Joey SmallwoodFather of Confederation, Premier (Newfoundland)1996Elizabeth SmellieFirst World War nursing Sister2011Albert James SmithPremier (New Brunswick), cabinet minister (Marine and Fisheries)1949Donald Smith, 1st Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal Fur trader, railroader (Canadian Pacific), politician, role with Hudson's Bay Company1971Goldwin Smith Historian, journalist1975Marie Rose (Delorme) Smith Symbol of female Métis resilience2023Mary Ellen Smith Politician2016Mary Agnes Snively Nursing advocate2011Mary Meager Southcott Nurse, superintendent1998Louis St. LaurentPrime Minister1973Sam Steele Soldier, Superintendent (North-West Mounted Police)1938William SteevesFather of Confederation, industrialist, senator1939Vilhjalmur StefanssonArctic explorer1964Stephan G. Stephansson Poet1946George Stephen, 1st Baron Mount Stephen Banker, railroader (Canada Pacific Railway), philanthropist1971John Stewart PEI historian, politician2022Emily Stowe First woman to practise as a Canadian doctor, women's rights activist1995John Strachan Bishop, founded King's College1925Gilfred Studholme Army officer, role in constructing Fort Howe1927Benjamin Sulte Historian (French Canada)1928Alexandre-Antonin Taché Bishop, missionary, writer1943Étienne-Paschal TachéFather of Confederation, headed Coalition Government1937François-Xavier Picard Tahourenche Archivist2008Jean TalonIntendant (New France)1974Joseph Israël Tarte Journalist, politician, cabinet minister (Public Works)1973TecumsehFirst Nations leader, role in War of 18121931James Teit Ethnographer (First Nations)1994Tessouat dubbed "le Borgne de l'isle"First Nation leader1983ThanadelthurFirst Nations figure, role in northern fur trade2000George McCall Theal Educator, historian, archivist (South Africa)1937Louis Thomas (Maliseet) Defended Maliseet rights and interests2002William Thomas Architect1974David Thompson Fur trader, cartographer, surveyor1927John Sparrow David ThompsonPrime Minister1937Stanley Thompson Architect (golf courses)2005Charles Poulett Thomson, 1st Baron SydenhamGovernor General, established Union of the Canadas1926Edward William Thomson Writer (editorials for ''Globe'', Toronto)1938Tom Thomson Artist (influenced the Group of Seven)1958Samuel Leonard TilleyFather of confederation, cabinet minister1937William Tomison Role in Hudson's Bay Company1974Henry Marshall Tory University president, first National Research Council president1949Catharine Parr Traill Author1974Jennie Kidd Trout First Canadian woman licensed as physician1995Pierre TrudeauPrime Minister2001Joseph TrutchLieutenant-Governor (British Columbia)1975Ignace-Nicolas Vincent TsawenhohiFirst Nations leader2001Harriet Tubman Abolitionist, humanitarian (Underground Railroad)2005Charles TupperPrime Minister, Father of Confederation1957William Ferdinand Alphonse TurgeonAttorney General (Saskatchewan), diplomat, judge1981Wallace Rupert Turnbull Inventor, aeronautical engineer (wind tunnel)1960Philip Turnor Surveyor, cartographer (Hudson's Bay Company surveyor)1973Joseph Tyrrell Geologist, historian, cartographer (Geological Survey of Canada)1970James Boyle UniackePremier (Nova Scotia)1938William Cornelius Van Horne Railroader (Canadian Pacific)1954George Vancouver Explorer1933Georges VanierGovernor General, soldier, Ambassador (to France)1983Frederick Varley Artist (Group of Seven)1974Madeleine de Verchères Defended family fort1923Peter Vasilevich VeriginChristian Community of Universal Brotherhood, Doukhobor emigration2008Louis-Guillaume Verrier Founded law school1952Samuel Vetch Soldier, Governor (Nova Scotia)1928Hiram Walker Industrialist, developed distillery, ferry and railway in Windsor, Ontario1971Horatio Walker Artist, Royal Academy of Art1939Byron Edmund Walker Businessman, arts patron1938Provo WallisRoyal Navy officer, capture USS Chesapeake, War of 18121945James Morrow WalshNorth-West Mounted Police, Commissioner of Yukon1967Angus J. Walters Fishing captain2005 John Ware Pioneer cowboy, steer-wrestler 2022Homer Ransford Watson Artist1939Ken Watson Champion curler2016Margaret Robertson Watt aka Madge WattAssociated Country Women of the World2007George Edward WattsVice-admiral, War of 18121945John Clarence WebsterSurgeon, historian, author, professor, chair Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada1950John WentworthLieutenant-Governor Nova Scotia1974Philip WestphalNavy Admiral1945George Augustus WestphalNavy Admiral1945Arthur Oliver Wheeler Surveyor, National Park Movement, Alpine Club1995Seager Wheeler Agriculturist1976Edward WhelanFather of Confederation, journalist, speaker1939Richard WhitbourneNewfoundland businessman, promoted settlement1984Portia White Musician1995Healey Willan Musician, professor1984John Stephen Willison Editor1938Thomas Willson Inventor (noted for acetylene)1972Lemuel Allan WilmotLieutenant-Governor New Brunswick, politician and judge1938Robert Duncan WilmotFather of Confederation, Senator1959Alice Evelyn Wilson Scientist, teacher2011Cairine Reay Mackay Wilson First woman Senator2005Ethel Wilson Modernist fiction writer2011Mona Gordon WilsonPrince Edward Island Public Health Nursing Division2008Edward Winslow Loyalist; founded Fredericton, settlements in Saint John River Valley1951Hirsch Wolofsky, aka Harry WolofskyMontreal Jewish community leader; founded Eagle Publishing Company2007William WolseleyRoyal Navy Admiral (East Indies, Mediterranean)1945Wong Foon SienChinese-Canadian activist2008Henry Wise Wood Founded Canada Wheat Pools1962J. S. WoodsworthCCF leader1972Philemon Wright Lumber merchant, Ottawa Valley settler1976George MacKinnon Wrong Professor1950Florence Wyle Sculptor2011James Lucas YeoWar of 1812 Commander1937Nellie Yip Quong Community advocate; Euro-Canadian/Chinese Canadian intermediary2008John Young Farmer, businessman, agricultural reformer1951William Young Premier (Nova Scotia), judge1951Marie-Marguerite d'Youville Saint, founded Order of the Sisters of Charity1973
See also * Canada: A People's History* Fathers of Confederation* Heritage Minutes* List of Canadian awards* List of National Historic Sites of Canada* List of Canadian Victoria Cross recipients* List of companions of the Order of Canada
References
External links *  Directory of Designations of National Historic Significance of Canada