Statement by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, on Sir John A. Macdonald Day

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 11, 2011) - On this date in 1815, a man was born in Scotland who would help shape the Canada we know today.

Our country's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald is still remembered for his efforts to forge a united country both as one of the Fathers of Confederation and as the visionary behind the construction of a transcontinental railway to link Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans. His government policies, which included the acquisition of the northwest, the National Policy of tariff protection, and skilful negotiations with Britain and the United States, all contributed to strengthening the new Canadian nation. And his almost 19 years in office make him the second-longest-serving Prime Minister of Canada.

As Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, I encourage all Canadians to mark this Sir John A. Macdonald day by renewing their interest in our country's history and by dedicating themselves to being part of our continuing evolution as a proud, united, and independent nation.