ST. GEORGE - Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust unveiled a marker commemorating the gravesite of the Honourable Harry Corwin Nixon, premier of Ontario from May to August 1943.

"We are delighted to honour another of Ontario's former premiers through this commemorative program" said The Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust. "This marker will ensure that Harry Nixon is remembered for his place in our history."

Born in St. George, Harry Corwin Nixon was Ontario's thirteenth premier. He was the most experienced member of provincial parliament, serving 42 years, and was a key policy-maker - especially in the government of Mitchell Hepburn. After the resignation of Gordon Conant, Nixon was elected leader and assumed the premiership in 1943 - his knowledge, stability and extensive political experience making him a fitting choice for Liberal leader. The Liberals were defeated in the election three months later, but he retained his seat until his death in 1961.

"Harry Nixon made many important contributions to this province over the span of his political career," said Minister of Culture Aileen Carroll. "We are proud to commemorate his life, and his dedication to public service."

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 will be 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.

Quick facts

• Eighteen premiers will be commemorated through the Premiers' Gravesites Program.
• To date, this is the second marker to be unveiled through the program. A marker commemorating the gravesite of the Honourable John Sandfield Macdonald, Ontario's first premier, was unveiled in St. Andrews West in November 2008.

Learn more

For more information on the Premiers' Gravesite Program, visit www.heritagetrust.on.ca.

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Contact

Catrina Colme
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Ontario Heritage Trust
Telephone: 416-325-5074
Email: catrina.colme@heritagetrust.on.ca