James Bernard Harkin

Born in Vankleek Hill, Ontario, Harkin was named Commissioner of the recently created Dominion Parks Branch in 1911, and over a period of 25 years organized a nation-wide system of parks. A firm believer in the recreational and economic value of parkland, he directed his efforts to ensure access to the system for the greatest possible number of Canadians. Harkin was an ardent conservationist who was responsible for important advances in the field of wildlife preservation. On his advice the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada was created in 1919, and he was one of its original members.

Né à Vankleek Hill (Ontario), Harkin fut nommé Commissaire des parcs du Dominion en 1911 et, pendant 25 ans, il organisa le réseau des parcs nationaux. Il attachait beaucoup d’importance à la valeur récréative et économique des parcs et il cherchait à en augmenter l’accessibilité pour les Canadiens. Partisan de la conservation, il suggère de nombreuses améliorations dans le domaine de la protection de la faune. En 1919, à sa suggestion, on créa la Commission des lieux et monuments historiques du Canada, dont il fut l’un des premiers membres.