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January 12, 2009
How Well Do You Know Canada's First Prime Minister? Minister Moore Tests Students' Knowledge at Sir John A. Macdonald Day Celebration
PITT MEADOWS, British Columbia, January 12, 2009 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today joined students at Pitt Meadows Secondary School for their Sir John A. Day celebration. Sir John A Macdonald Day is observed annually on January 11. Organized by the Dominion Institute, the Sir John A. Day celebration at Pitt Meadows Secondary School brought students and Minister Moore together to sign a birthday card and share a birthday cake in celebration of Canada's first Prime Minister. Canadian historian Christopher Moore was also present to provide students with an overview of the life and accomplishments of Sir John A Macdonald, which proved useful when Minister Moore administered a pop quiz to the class. "Young Canadians should be aware of and appreciate the people and events that have shaped our great country. Commemorating the birth of our first Prime Minister provides an ideal opportunity to revisit our country's history," said Minister Moore. "On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, I am pleased to celebrate Sir John A. Macdonald Day with young history students who are destined to become tomorrow's leaders." "A recent Dominion Institute survey found that four in ten Canadians could not identify John A. Macdonald as our country's first Prime Minister," said Marc Chalifoux, Executive Director of the Institute. "It is our hope that working together with the federal government on events like today's will inspire more Canadians, especially young Canadians, to learn more about one of our greatest nation-builders." The Dominion Institute promotes better understanding and appreciation of Canadian history. To honour the 194th anniversary of Sir John A. MacDonald's birth, the Dominion Institute has launched a bilingual quiz on their website that highlights his many accomplishments. The website also features biographical information, historical photos, and speeches. The Government of Canada has provided $82,500 in funding to support initiatives surrounding the celebration of Macdonald-Laurier Days through the Celebration and Commemoration Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program recognizes the country's diverse and exceptional figures, places, and accomplishments and strives to enhance knowledge, appreciation, and understanding of the history of Canada.
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