“John Diefenbaker made an enormous contribution to Canada,” said Prime Minister Harper. “Our government will ensure his contributions to our country are remembered and understood by future generations.”
Diefenbaker was born on September 18, 1895 at 144 Barbara Street in Neustadt, Ontario in Grey County. He lived there for eight years until his family moved to Saskatchewan. Diefenbaker served in the House of Commons from 1940 until his death in 1979, winning 13 elections. He was Prime Minister between 1957 and 1963.
“No other prime minister of any stripe did more for the cause of fairness, equality and inclusion,” said Prime Minister Harper regarding Diefenbaker’s record. “Dief opposed communism, fought against apartheid, extended voting to Aboriginals and appointed the first woman Cabinet Minister and first Aboriginal Senator.”
Prime Minister Harper also highlighted two other significant, visionary and lasting contributions to Canada – Diefenbaker’s Northern “Roads to Resources” policy to promote development in Northern Canada and the Canadian Bill of Rights, which enshrined fundamental rights to life, equality, property and justice.
The Harper government has a strong record of celebrating Canada’s history and important milestones, including support for the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the 400thanniversary of Quebec City, as well as the establishment of the Canada 150 Fund.
Once purchased, the Diefenbaker home will be operated by Parks Canada, similar to existing arrangements for William Lyon Mackenzie’s family home in Kitchener (Woodside National Historic Site) and Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s family home (Sir Wilfrid Laurier National Historic Site).
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