Preservation, parks and the vice-royalty Lord Dufferin and Lord Grey in Canada

Abstract

The Governor Generals of Canada during Victorian and Edwardian times wielded considerable power and influence. As the Crown's representatives to the young Dominion, they were in a position to promote social and environmental causes of that period. This paper focuses on two such Governor Generals, Lord Dufferin (1872/2–1878) and Lord Grey (1904/2–1911), and their efforts to promote progressive causes concerning the retention and preservation of Canadian natural and heritage environments. The Falls of Niagara and the ancient walls and battlements of Quebec City were saved through their efforts. The retention of these unique environments set a precedent and established a framework from which the extensive national and historic sites programs of Canada were established and developed.