Preserving the parliamentary heritage buildings for all Canadians

June 15, 2015 – Ottawa, Ontario — The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, unveiled the newly rehabilitated Sir John A. Macdonald Building across from Parliament Hill. The Minister was joined by several dignitaries, including the Honourable Andrew Scheer, Speaker of the House of Commons; Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons; and 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. This 1930s art deco/beaux arts heritage building located at 144 Wellington Street will serve as the new home for parliamentary meetings and functions.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of PWGSC, the Honourable Andrew Scheer, Speaker of the House of Commons, the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, and Arthur Milnes, City of Kingston’s official Sir John A. Macdonald Bicentennial Ambassador, walk along with the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band towards the newly completed Sir John A. Macdonald Building.

Sons of Scotland Pipe Band perform at the unveiling of the Sir John A. Macdonald Building.

Sons of Scotland Pipe Band, followed by Minister Finley and other dignitaries, enter the newly completed Sir John A. Building.

Minister Finley highlights the importance of preserving our heritage buildings.

House Leader Peter Van Loan delivers remarks during ceremonial event at 144 Wellington Street in Ottawa.

Man standing behind a podium, a woman and two men sitting on stage while a crowd looks at them.

Inside the newly renovated 1930s art deco heritage building that will serve as the new home for parliamentary meetings and functions.

Speaker Scheer talks about the rehabilitation of the Sir John A. Macdonald building.

Arthur Milnes addresses invitees.

A woman handing over a large key to a man.

Minister Finley hands over the key to the Sir John A. Macdonald Building to the Honourable Andrew Scheer.

Donald Macdonald of the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band plays “Chief of This Land”.