Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1963-2006 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
52 cm of textual records
3 audio-cassettes
1 3.5" floppy
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Gertrude Mary Laing, 1905-2005, was raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She graduated in French from the University of Manitoba and did post-graduate studies at the Sorbonne in Paris. She later taught at the University of Manitoba. In 1952 she moved to Calgary, Alberta with her husband, Stanley B. Laing, an oil industry executive. The Laings had two sons, Colin, a metallurgical engineer, and Alan, a composer.
From 1963 to 1971 Gertrude served on the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism. From 1968 to 1972 she was a member of the Canadian Radio-Television Commission. She also served as chair of the Canada Council, and was a delegate to the Unesco General Assembly. She was appointed Officer of the Order of Canada and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Calgary in 1973.
She was co-author (with Solange Chaput Rolland) of Face to Face. - Toronto : New Press, 1972.
Archival history
MsC 226 donated by G. Laing in 1981. MsC 333 donated by Dr. Marion McKenna in 2008.
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
MsC 226 consists of minutes of the first to eighty-third meetings of the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism (1963 September 4 - 1971 February 27); Research Bulletin, a compilation of research projects and contracts to be carried out to provide background information for the Royal Commission; A preliminary report of the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism; Press reaction to the preliminary report of the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism; and several miscellaneous reports and a letter relating to the Commission. Items distributed to Commissioners, among them Commissioner Gertrude Laing, Calgary, Alberta. MsC 333 consists of 3 recorded interviews of G. Laing by Dr. Marion McKenna, November 1, 1978, April 8, 1997 and April 23, 1997; transcript of April 8, 1997 interview; photocopy of a photograph of G. Laing; and Tribute column by Nancy Millar published in the Calgary Herald, January 12, 2006. Filed with MsC 226 (Box 2).
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
No restrictions on access.
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Text in English and French.
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
See also the Gertrude Laing fonds held by the Glenbow
Notes area
Note
Title based on contents of collection.
Note
Typescript; typescript (photocopy); printed material. Includes 3 audiocassettes.
Alternative identifier(s)
ckey
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Canada. Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism (Subject)
- Laing, Gertrude Mary (Subject)