Plaque Unveiled at Canada House in London Marks 100 Years of Canadian High Commission
A plaque marking the national historic significance of the establishment of the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom was unveiled at Canada House in London on May 19, 2025. The ceremony was attended by Ron Hallman, President and CEO of Parks Canada; Bernard Thériault, Chair of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada; and the Honourable Ralph Goodale, High Commissioner of Canada in the UK. The unveiling and announcement of the historic designation were made on behalf of the Minister responsible for Parks Canada through Parks Canada’s National Program of Historical Commemoration, according to Parks Canada.
The event coincides with the 100th anniversary of Canada House at Trafalgar Square, which has served as the headquarters for the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom since its opening by King George V and Queen Mary on June 29, 1925. This designation highlights a notable element of Canadian diplomatic history and marks a century of the High Commission's presence in London.
According to Parks Canada, Canada was the first country in what became the Commonwealth to establish a high commission, with the position created in 1880. While the early post lacked formal diplomatic status or the authority to negotiate directly with foreign governments, the high commission represented Canadian commercial and financial interests, promoted emigration and trade, and managed relations with Britain. The role evolved as Canada achieved greater legal and diplomatic autonomy.
Parks Canada reports that, today, the High Commission represents the Canadian government to the UK on matters relating to trade, military and security, climate action, science, and innovation. It also provides immigration, visa, and consular services to Canadians in the UK, according to Parks Canada.
A special exhibition, “1925–2025: A Century of Canada House,” is being held at the Canada Gallery in Trafalgar Square to mark the centenary, according to Parks Canada. The exhibition is open to the public and free to visit Monday to Saturday, from 11:00 to 17:45 BST, until the end of the summer.
According to Parks Canada, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada was created in 1919 to advise the Minister responsible for Parks Canada on matters of national historic significance. There have been more than 2,270 designations nationwide to date through the National Program of Historical Commemoration.