International Relations

The "Monument to Canadian Aid Workers" is a commemoration to Canadians' commitment to international development and humanitarian assistance and to those who die in the line of work. The project was initiated by the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH Canada), the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) and the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) when two of their colleagues were killed in the space of three weeks in senseless acts of violence while pursuing their humanitarian work abroad.

The Monument to Canadian Aid Workers was unveiled by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson at an emotional ceremony held on June 28, 2001, at the site of the Canada and the World Pavilion in Ottawa's Rideau Falls park. Canada now has a permanent monument to recognize those who work in the field of international development and humanitarian assistance, and especially to acknowledge those who have died doing so.

The monument design, titled "Reflection", was chosen in a Canada-wide competition and created by Nova Scotia sculptor John Greer. The monument consists of a steel arch decorated with two 10-foot bronze feathers on a platform of granite, with two granite benches, and resembles an outdoor room where people can feel "secure and contemplative."

In addition to the monument, a permanent record of humanitarian aid workers who have died has been assembled. So far, it has 88 names on it, including that of our colleague, Dan Rowan. (Information on the Dan Rowan Memorial Award).

Unveiling the monument, M^me Clarkson told onlookers: "The Canadian aid workers that we honour were all leaders blessed with deep personal conviction... yearning to help others. Above all, they (were) devoted to human interests, concerned with the human condition."