Gouzenko Affair National Historic Event

Ottawa, Ontario
Gouzenko being interviewed, wearing the mask for which he was known, used to protect his identity. © BAC / LAC
Gouzenko being interviewed
© BAC / LAC
Gouzenko being interviewed, wearing the mask for which he was known, used to protect his identity. © BAC / LACGouzenko Affair Plaque © Parks Canada Agency / Agence Parcs Canada
Address : 516 Somerset St., Ottawa, Ontario

Recognition Statute: Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date: 2002-07-18

Other Name(s):
  • Gouzenko Affair  (Designation Name)
Research Report Number: 2001-43, 2002-077

Importance: Defining moment in Canadian history; discovery of a Soviet spy network in Canada, marking the country's entry to the Cold War

Plaque(s)


Existing plaque: Dundonald Park Ottawa, Ontario

The Gouzenko Affair brought the realities of the emerging Cold War to the attention of the Canadian public. On September 5, 1945, cipher officer Igor Gouzenko left the Soviet Embassy with more than 100 documents which exposed the existence of a Soviet spy ring in Canada with links to others in the United States and Great Britain. His allegations gave rise to the creation in 1946 of a Royal Commission of Inquiry known as the Kellock-Taschereau Commission. Its confirmation of the countrys vulnerability convinced the federal government to strengthen Canadas national security system.