New Statue Unveiled to Honour Sir John A. Macdonald

PICTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 1, 2015) - Department of Canadian Heritage

Daryl Kramp, Member of Parliament (Prince Edward-Hastings), on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today took part in the unveiling of a bronze statue of Sir John A. Macdonald that depicts him as a young lawyer at the beginning of his career.

The Government of Canada has provided $300,000 to the Macdonald Project of Prince Edward County for a statue and educational program honouring the early life of Canada's first prime minister.

Quick Facts

• Sir John A. Macdonald lived in the Bay of Quinte region and Prince Edward County for about 11 years and began his law practice there.
• The sculpture is located in Picton's historic downtown. It depicts Sir John A. Macdonald as he would have appeared presenting and winning his first court case before a judge and jury in the Picton Courthouse on October 8, 1834.
• The Macdonald Project will develop educational materials to accompany the statue. Walking tours will also be planned, and new media will be used to promote the project.

Quotes

"Sir John A. Macdonald helped build our country and shape a strong and independent Canada. Our Government invites all Canadians to reflect on his life, accomplishments and significant contributions to our proud Canadian history. This commemoration is just one of the many events that are bringing Canadians together and will continue to link us on the road to the 150^th anniversary of Confederation in 2017."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"I am very pleased to see this project initiated by the community where Sir John A. Macdonald spent an early part of his career honing his skills as a lawyer. I applaud the objective of the Macdonald Project, which is to shine a light on the early life of a man who, through hard work, determination and genuine affection for people, rose to become Canada's first prime minister."

-Daryl Kramp, Member of Parliament (Prince Edward-Hastings)

"This sculpture will remind Canadians that the nation's first prime minister began his career in law and public administration in Picton. He rose from humble beginnings as the son of an immigrant shopkeeper and miller in the Quinte region to become the principal architect of Canada."

-David Warrick, Chair of the Macdonald Project of Prince Edward County

Associated Links

Canada.ca/150

The Macdonald Project of Prince Edward County

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