The St. Andrew's Society of Ottawa

The Scots in Glengarry & Cape Breton:
Some Comparisons in Social Structure

The Hon Flora MacDonald

Sunday 17 Feb 2008, 2.30pm, Auditorium

Canadian Library & Archives, Wellington St.

Ms MacDonald writes: Cape Breton and Glengarry: Two quite distinct geographic locales, but remarkably similar in their past experiences and present practices. And with good reason: good friends, lovely scenery, fine food and drink, and music - the skirl of the pipes and the lilt of the fiddle - these are the things they share. But there are differences. Glengarry, due to its location, has a history of looking outward, even in the days of the Nor'westers - when brave and hardy souls set out to explore and conquer the vast reaches to the west and north. Cape Breton, on the other hand, has been geographically and physically isolated: we who were born there often refer to it as The Last of the Outer Hebrides, having drifted many hundreds of miles to the west. We spoke our own language, followed our own traditions, and seldom left home to venture elsewhere.

The Honourable Flora Isabel MacDonald was born in North Sydney, Nova Scotia. She was the first woman to be enrolled in the National Defence College's graduate course in international relations. Ms MacDonald was elected to the Parliament of Canada in 1972 and served as Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands. She held three cabinet posts: Secretary of State for External Affairs, Minister of Employment and Immigration, and Minister of Communications and Culture. Since leaving politics in 1988, Ms MacDonald has been involved with many organizations. She became a Companion of the Order of Canada in April, 1999.

To get there: There is ample free weekend parking to the east: turn north off Wellington at Lyon. The Auditorium is on the west side of the building on the ground floor.

As you arrive: Registration with the security guard is not required. A cloak room is half way down the hallway - adjacent to the washrooms; there is no charge for admission.

Afterwards: a light Scottish tea, 4pm, will be held in the adjacent reception area - shortbread, cake, and other goodies. A donation of $5 for the meal is requested, as you start tea. Seating for those that wish.

Pre-registration: To assist with number estimates for the tea, pre-registration is appreciated; call Hugh or Frances Reekie at 613-728-5343 or send a message to Hugh Reekie - h.reekie@ieee.org.

A previous presentation by Ms. MacDonald was given to the Society in early 2000, on the subject - The Auld Alliance in Canada - the French & the Scots. A transcription of this talk is available on the web at: http://www3.bell.net/max-com/And.news.sum00.html

Visit the St Andrew's Society Home Page   page last edited 26 Dec 2007, 22 May 2009
this page is http://www3.bell.net/max-com/F.macdonald.feb08.html