Passes for expropriated persons
Forillon National Park
Pass program for owners expropriated at the time of the creation of Forillon National Park and their descendants
The Admission Pass for Expropriated Persons, introduced in 2011, is a special program to provide property owners, expropriated during the establishment of Forillon National Park, and their descendants with a means of returning to places tied to their personal histories.
The original Admission Pass for Expropriated Persons provided free admission to visit places of personal and family significance for three generations of expropriated persons as a result of the creation of Forillon National Park.
To date, over 6,700 passes have been issued by Forillon National Park to expropriated families and their descendants.
On January 23, 2020, Parks Canada gave a favourable response to a request by the Association of Persons Expropriated from Forillon and their Descendants by granting passes to the 4th, 5th and 6th generations of expropriated persons. This measure becomes effective and is being implemented as of November 2, 2020. This is an important step in rebuilding relationships with local communities and helping affected families preserve memories and stories related to these places.
Parks Canada recognizes that many families were greatly affected by expropriation when national parks and national historic sites were established in the past. Parks Canada ceased the practice of expropriation in the 1970’s, but past events remain an important part of the history of local communities and Parks Canada.
The Admission Pass for Expropriated Persons is one of the ways that Parks Canada wishes to commemorate families affected by expropriation. At Forillon National Park, this process has notably included
- special reunion days,
- the creation of a permanent exhibit Gaspesians from Land's End,
- installing commemorative signs in the various locations of the park from where people were expropriated.
This measure also reflects the apology motion voted for unanimously in favour at the House of Commons February 14, 2011.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Admission Pass for Expropriated Persons?
The Admission Pass for Expropriated Persons program provides persons displaced as a result of the creation of Forillon National Park with free admission to visit places of personal and family significance.
The original Admission Pass provided free admission for three generations of families displaced in the creation of the park.
As another step in rebuilding relationships with local communities and helping affected families preserve memories and stories related to these places, Parks Canada is expanding the Admission Pass for Expropriated Persons to a 4th, 5th and 6th generations. The Admission Pass is one of the ways that Parks Canada wishes to commemorate families affected by expropriation.
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Who can obtain a pass for Forillon National Park?
Those eligible to obtain a pass include the owners of permanent residences, cottages, land and lumber lots that were expropriated during the creation of Forillon National Park, their children, grandchildren, and now their 4th, 5th and 6th generation descendants as well as their spouses.
Important: Applicants aged 17 years and under do not have to apply for a pass. As of January 1, 2018, entrance into Parks Canada sites is free for those aged 17 years and under.
Definition of generations
The expression "first generation of expropriated persons" refers to persons whose name appeared on the act of ownership of a permanent residence, a cottage, and land or lumber lots expropriated during the creation of a national park or a national historic site and their spouses.
The "Second generation of expropriated persons" refers to the children of the first generation of expropriated persons and their spouses.
The "Third generation of expropriated persons" refers to the grandchildren of the first generation of expropriated persons and their spouses.
The “fourth generation of expropriated persons” refers to the great-grandchildren of the first generation of expropriated persons and their spouses.
The “fifth generation of expropriated persons” refers to the great-great-grandchildren of the first generation of expropriated persons and their spouses.
The “sixth generation of expropriated persons” refers to the great-great-great-grandchildren of the first generation of expropriated persons and their spouses.
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What about blended families?
Only applicants who have a direct line of descent to the expropriated owners are eligible for passes. In such cases, the children and spouses of applicants also become eligible up to the 6th generation. However, children of the spouses of applicants who are part of blended families are not eligible for passes. Children of spouses in a blended family are eligible only in cases where applicants formally adopt a child into the blended family or become the legitimate guardians of the child.
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What is covered by the Admission Pass for Expropriated Persons?
Upon presentation at the North or South Area toll booths at the park, the pass provides the holder with free admission.
The pass only covers admission fees. The pass does not cover other fees, such as for camping, backcountry use or interpretation programs.
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How do I make a request?
You can apply for a pass today.
Each eligible person is responsible for submitting their own application (or that of their spouse) for a personal non-transferable pass. The pass is issued in the form of a photo ID card.
Download and fill the form
Please read the instructions for completing the form carefully: an incomplete pass application will be returned to the applicant unprocessed.
To receive a paper version of the form
Your application must include the following:
- the Pass Application duly completed and signed,
- A copy of your birth or baptismal certificate in order to prove your identity as well as your parents’ names,
- one recent colour photo.
For the sake of fairness, the processing procedure for all applications is the same. People waiting for a pass are required to pay park entrances fees.
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How do I update personal information in my file?
To report a change of address, telephone number or email address
By emailing at
info-expropriation.forillon@pc.gc.ca
This will make it easier for us to contact you when it is time to renew your pass.
To report a change of spouse
Please contact us for more information by calling
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How do I make a change of spouse for a pass?
To change or to remove the name of the spouse assigned to your file, you must return their pass to our administrative office located at 1501, boul. Forillon, Gaspé (Quebec), G4X 6M1, so it can be destroyed. After, if you wish, we can issue a pass to your new spouse. For more information, please reach us at 418-368-5505.
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How do I replace a lost pass?
To replace a lost pass, we invite you to contact us by email at info-expropriation.forillon@pc.gc.ca or by phone at 418-368-5505.
How can I contact the Pass Program?
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