C.D. Howe (1886-1960)
Text from the plaque
The dynamic "Minister of Everything", Massachusetts-born Clarence Decatur Howe immigrated to Canada in 1908 and established an engineering firm in Port Arthur in 1916. Elected to the House of Commons in 1935, he was a dominate figure in Liberal cabinets for over two decades. Howe forged strong links between his party and the business community, and was a driving force in the rapid industrialization of Canada in both war and peace. He played a leading role in the creation of many crown corporations including Trans-Canada Airlines and Atomic Energy of Canada.
Transcribed from the marker, not summarised.
Find the place
The District of Thunder Bay
The City of Thunder Bay
In a parking area off Marina Park Drive
near the Marina Park Overpass
N 48 26.283 W 89 12.750
Recorded September 2013. Check current access before visiting.
More information
Visitors' notes
December 20, 2011
It's odd how the plaque is specific about which U.S. state Howe was born in, but doesn't tell where in "Canada" he immigrated to, nor which area he represented in parliament. It's irritating to see the same vague domestic references on several plaques, while according U.S. and U.K. locations the courtesy of specific identification--sometimes even the county! I've noticed a similar habit among Canadians traveling in the U.S., almost afraid to identify the names of our cities and provinces, using only "Canada" instead. Yet we employ state names in common parlance, without hesitation. You'd think the reverse would be normal. It behooves Canadians to specify places when addressing folks both abroad and, as here, at home. It not only sounds better to the knowledgeable ear, it informs those unfamiliar with our place-names. -Wayne