Thomas Laird Kennedy honoured through Premiers' Gravesites Program

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 25, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust unveiled a marker commemorating the gravesite of the Honourable Thomas Laird Kennedy, premier of Ontario from 1948 to 1949.

Ontario's fifteenth premier, Thomas L. Kennedy was born in the hamlet of Dixie (now in the city of Mississauga). He began his political career locally as a school trustee in 1899. He served with distinction in the First World War and later as a Colonel in the active militia. He was elected Peel MPP in 1919 and with the exception of one term, he would hold the seat until his death. Kennedy was Minister of Agriculture from 1930-34, and later from 1943-48 and 1949-53. He was named interim premier from 1948-49 and died in office in 1959.

The unveiling took place at The Anglican Church of St. John the Baptist - Dixie, Mississauga, Ontario.

The Premiers' Gravesites Program honours Ontario's former premiers and their service to Ontario by marking their gravesites. Specially designed bronze markers inscribed with the individual premier's name and dates of service are being installed at each gravesite, along with flagpoles flying the Ontario flag, where possible.

This program is administered by the Ontario Heritage Trust with funding support from the Government of Ontario. The Trust is an agency of the government dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.

QUOTES
"Thomas Kennedy is remembered by members of all parties as a great friend, and a man deserving of respect and admiration. Throughout his lifetime, Thomas Kennedy made many significant contributions to this province, particularly in the areas of agriculture and rural affairs. His commitment and dedication to public service and the province of Ontario are an inspiration to all."
— Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

"Thomas Kennedy continues to be remembered with great affection by the public of Ontario, regardless of their party affiliation. This is a refection of his personal popularity and dedication to the province. His contributions to agriculture will continue to have a positive impact for generations to come. We are proud to honour his service to Ontario with a gravesite marker."
— Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust

QUICK FACTS

• Eighteen premiers have been commemorated through the Premiers' Gravesites Program.
• This is the 18th marker to be unveiled through the program since it began in 2008.

The Ontario Heritage Trust is an agency of the Government of Ontario dedicated to
identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage.

Aussi disponible en français

LEARN MORE
Find out more about the Ontario Heritage Trust.

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www.heritagetrust.on.ca

SOURCE: Ontario Heritage Trust

For further information:

For more information about the Premiers' Gravesites Program contact Natasha Williams at
416-212-0952 or [e-mail]