Sir John A. Macdonald Building Completion

Speaking Notes for The Honourable Diane Finley, PC, MP
Minister of Public Works and Government Services

Ottawa, Ontario
June 15, 2015

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Good morning, everyone. Thank you, Peter, for that kind introduction.

I'm so pleased to be joined today by my colleagues, Speaker Andrew Scheer and Minister Peter Van Loan, and by Arthur Milnes, who founded the Sir John A. Macdonald Bicentennial Commission in 2010, and is now the City of Kingston's official Sir John A. Macdonald Bicentennial Ambassador.

I'd also like to thank Rick Campagna from the Bank of Montreal for joining us today.

And a big thank you to The Sons of Scotland Pipe Band for kicking off our event! I can't think of a better way to honour a Scotsman like Sir John A. Macdonald.

I'd also like to acknowledge the Parliamentary Precinct Branch employees who worked on this project, many of whom are here today.

I'm so pleased to be here to celebrate this special occasion.

Among the giants of Canadian history, no name stands above that of Sir John A. Macdonald.

Born 200 years ago, Sir John A. was a uniter, a builder and a doer. A pragmatist and a dreamer. Above all, he was a man who turned his vision of “one great united country” spanning from the Atlantic to the Pacific into a reality.

His legacy has been commemorated in many ways. His bold gaze can be found on our $10 bill and stamps. Boulevards and schools across the country proudly bear his name.

And the official naming of this building is yet another expression of Canadians' fondness of, and respect for, this Father of Confederation.

Folks, I'm proud to be here today for the official unveiling of the beautiful Sir John A. Macdonald Building and to celebrate the man for whom it is named.

It was no easy task, but the rehabilitation was completed on time and on budget and sustained 600 private-sector jobs.

That is great news for all Canadians, especially for the tradespeople who made it possible and the visitors who will get to enjoy this space.

The name honours a great figure of the 19th century. The building's art deco design is a lasting reminder of the 20th century. And from now on, it will serve as a meeting and conference space for the 21st century.

As we look around us, I think it's evident that this Ottawa landmark has been brought back to life.

I look forward to transferring this building to the House of Commons. I am sure they are very excited to start using  this beautiful and much-needed additional space.

This building will be used for ceremonial and parliamentary functions but, folks, it's important to remember that the historic buildings of the parliamentary precinct are more than just offices and meeting rooms.

They stand as symbols of our parliamentary democracy.

We are the custodians of these treasures and it is a responsibility that we do not bear lightly.

We bear the responsibility to preserve these buildings and our history. To remember the men and women, like Sir John A., who made Canada the country it is today.

It is said that at a gathering many years ago to celebrate Sir John A.'s 40 years in Parliament, someone from the crowd cried out: “You'll never die, John A.!”

In many ways this is true as his memory and legacy live on in this building and in communities across Canada.

Thank you.