Harper Government Celebrates the 200th Birthday of Sir John A. Macdonald - Canada's First Prime Minister

Father of Confederation honoured with events and activities at Bellevue House National Historic Site

KINGSTON, ON, Jan. 2, 2015 /CNW/ - To celebrate Sir John A. Macdonald's 200^th birthday, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, invites Canadians to visit Bellevue House National Historic Site for special celebrations in January. As a Father of Confederation and Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald is one of the most influential political figures in Canada's history.

Bellevue House in Kingston, Ontario, was once the home of Sir John A. Macdonald and his family. Now a national historic site, Bellevue House will open for special dates in January, with free admission, for many special events and activities to celebrate and honor the birth of this visionary statesman. The site will be open with free admission on January 3 and 4, and January 7 to 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

During the special celebration opening dates, visitors will have a chance to see new exhibits on Sir John A. Macdonald, his political legacy and the Fathers of Confederation. There will be special presentations and entertaining activities for the whole family, including special birthday celebrations on January 10. In addition, on January 10 and January 11, visitors will have the chance to share their national dream through an interactive digital exhibit, A Country of Dreams. Their creative ideas will be the source for a new exhibit as part of Canada's 150^th celebrations in 2017.

As our country nears its 150^th birthday in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to learn more about the major events and people that have shaped our country's history. Canada's national historic sites, like Bellevue House, enable us to experience our rich history and heritage in a special way and will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.

Quick Facts

• Sir John A. Macdonald was born in Scotland in 1815, the son of Hugh and Helen Macdonald. His family came to Canada in 1820 and settled in Kingston.
• John and Isabella Macdonald lived in Bellevue House from 1848-1849.
• Sir John A. Macdonald attended all three conferences (Charlottetown, Quebec and London) that lead to the creation of Canada, and on July 1, 1867, became our country's first Prime Minister.
• Macdonald is the second-longest serving Prime Minister in Canadian history, having served almost 19 years in the role.
• Macdonald was knighted by Queen Victoria as a mark of appreciation for his role in bringing about Confederation.
• Macdonald's accomplishments as Prime Minister were summarized by another great politician, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, in these words: "As to his statesmanship, it is written in the history of Canada. It may be said without any exaggeration whatever, that the life of Sir John A. Macdonald ... is the history of Canada."

Quote

"The 200^th birthday of Sir John A. Macdonald is an important milestone as we near the 150^th birthday of our great country in 2017. I invite all Canadians to join us at Bellevue House National Historic Site for a celebration of the man and his tremendous legacy."

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

Associated Link

www.parkscanada.gc.ca/bellevue

SOURCE Parks Canada

Office of the Minister of the Environment, 819-997-1441; Media Relations, Parks Canada, 855-862-1812