The Establishment of the Canadian High Commission in the United Kingdom National Historic Event
London
Canada House, London, England, 1925
© Bedford Lemere and Co. / National Photography Collection / Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada
Address :
Canada House, Trafalgar Square, London
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
2025-01-22
Dates:
-
1880 to 1931
(Significant)
Other Name(s):
-
The Establishment of the Canadian High Commission in the United Kingdom
(Designation Name)
Research Report Number:
2024-30, 2024-30-A
Importance:
Canada’s oldest diplomatic posting and the first Commonwealth high commission, important chapter in Canada’s diplomatic history, a symbol and a gathering place for Canadians overseas
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: Canada House, Trafalgar Square, London
In 1880 Canada was the first country of the British Empire, which later evolved into the Commonwealth, to establish a high commission in London, primarily to promote Canadian interests in trade and immigration. Sir Alexander Galt, a former finance minister, served as the first high commissioner. At the time Canada was self-governing but not fully independent from Britain. The High Commission’s role evolved as Canada gained more legal and diplomatic autonomy. In 1925 the office moved to this Greek Revival building, prominently located on Trafalgar Square. Canada House has become a symbol of Canada in the British capital and gathering place for Canadians.