French Shore Treaty National Historic Event
Port au Choix, Newfoundland and Labrador
Image of HSMHC plaque
(© Parks Canada / Parcs Canada, 1989)
Address :
Port au Choix, Newfoundland and Labrador
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
1955-05-10
Other Name(s):
-
French Shore Treaty
(Designation Name)
Importance:
Debates on fishing and occupancy rights of France over Newfoundland's coast, 1713-1904
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: Near Point Riche Lightouse, Port au Choix, Newfoundland and Labrador
Fishing and occupancy rights on The French Shore, which ran from Cape Bonavista to Pointe Riche (1713-63) and thereafter until 1904 from Cape St. John to Cape Ray, was the focus of bitter disputes involving Great Britain, Newfoundland and France. Each party developed its own view of the liberties granted to the French in the treaties of Utrecht (1713), Paris ( 1763) and Versailles (1783). Tensions increased as France strove to maintain an ancient privilege while Newfoundland sought to eliminate a foreign presence considered to be a hindrance to development. A settlement was reached in 1904 when the French surrendered their rights.