Canadian Heritage Launches Web Version of Canadian Biographies

Halifax, October 24, 2003  -  The Web version of the Dictionary of Canadian Biography/ Dictionaire biographique du Canada (DCB/DBC) will be launched on October 24, 2003, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, at the conference of the Association for Canadian Studies, Presence of the Past.

This Web-based project is a shared collaboration between the University of Toronto, Université Laval, the Department of Canadian Heritage and Library and Archives Canada. It was made possible through the Canadian Culture Online Program of Canadian Heritage, which supports quality initiatives that promote Canadian culture online in both official languages.

Library and Archives Canada created the online version of DCB/DBC, which is found at www.biographi.ca.

"This new Web site will give all Canadians access to stories about the fascinating people who have contributed to the development of our country. By providing online access to the biographies of these individuals, we are ensuring that we all have a better understanding of our country’s culture and history," said the Honourable Sheila Copps, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

The online DCB/DBC presents biographies of significant figures in Canadian history written by leading authorities. It spans the years from 1000 to 1920 in 14 volumes. Biographies selected from a 15th volume for the period 1921 to 1930 will go online in 2005.

The launch will take place at Pier 21, a National Historic Site in Halifax. Among the invited guests are Nova Scotia Minister of Education Mr. Jamie Muir, professors Réal Bélanger of Université Laval and Ramsay Cook of the University of Toronto, and National Librarian Roch Carrier. Conference delegates, which include leading academics, researchers and teachers, and representatives from historical associations, are also invited.

Presence of the Past, the third conference of the Association for Canadian Studies, is being held October 24 to 26 at the Holiday Inn Halifax-Harbourview in Dartmouth.

What: Launch of Web version of DCB/DBC
When: Friday, October 24, 2003, reception 5:15 p.m., launch 6:15 p.m.
Where: Pier 21, Halifax

Information:
Louisa Coates
Media Relations, Library and Archives Canada
Telephone: (613) 992-9361/ cell:(613) 295-5516
E-mail: media@lac-bac.gc.ca