Dr. Richard M. Alway, Chaiman of the HSMBC (1997-), Member from Ontario
© Parks Canada / M. Savard / October 2002 Members of the HSMBC are appointed at pleasure by the Governor in Council. There are two representatives for each of the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, and one representative for each of the other eight provinces and the three territories. A member must reside in the province or territory that he or she represents. As well, the National Archivist, an officer of the Museum of Civilization, and an officer of the Department of the Environment are members. A member may be appointed for no longer than five years, and may be re-appointed for additional terms. The Chairperson of the Board is appointed by the Governor General in Council from the members of the Board.
Membership is based on the following three criteria:
- knowledge in the history of the province or territory that he or she represents, as well as the historical trends that have shaped the development of Canada as a whole, in order to put specific matters into a national perspective;
- availability to attend quarterly meetings of several days in duration, in addition to lengthy preparation time, and to officiate at plaque unveiling ceremonies a few times a year; and,
- reading comprehension of French and English.
Because of the great deal of work involved in carrying out its mandate, the Board has struck a number of committees with specific areas of responsibility. Overall control is exercised by the Executive Committee made up of the Chairperson of the Board and the Chairpersons of the other committees. The Criteria Committee determines criteria and guidelines for evaluating the national historic importance of places, people and events. The Cultural Communities Committee brings to the Board recommendations for commemoration of the contributions of Canada's diverse cultural groups and Aboriginal Peoples. The Inscriptions Committee is responsible for ensuring the appropriateness and accuracy of all plaque texts. The Thematic Studies and System Plan Committee is responsible for reviewing the National Historic Sites System Plan and for bringing before the Board themes in Canadian history which it considers nationally significant. The Built Environment Committee is charged with assessing the national significance of buildings, including historic districts and streetscapes, and it may recommend the selection, preservation, and interpretation of in situ resources. The Status of Designations Committee is responsible for clarifying names, the features and boundaries of national historic sites and the intent of existing designations.
The Director General, National Historic Sites Directorate, Parks Canada Agency, acts as the Secretary of the Board. Under the Secretary's guidance, Parks Canada conducts historical and archaeological research in support of the Board, provides a secretariat which handles administrative matters, and implements the Minister's decisions upon the advice of the Board.
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