News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

---

PRIME MINISTER HARPER PAYS TRIBUTE TO JEAN BÉLIVEAU

March 29, 2007
Montreal, Quebec

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today joined former team mates and members of Montreal's community to pay tribute to Jean Béliveau. Mr. Harper drew attention to Mr. Béliveau's role as a philanthropist and leader, and hailed him as a role model for future generations of Canadians.

"If the record book had a chapter on devotion, honesty and patriotism, Jean Béliveau would have written it," said Mr. Harper, addressing a gala evening at the Bell Centre in honour of the former captain of the Montreal Canadiens.

"In one of the world's roughest, toughest sports, he was always a perfect gentleman. He played with poise, power and finesse. The Habs were a dynasty, and he was their King," concluded the Prime Minister.

The proceeds of the gala evening will be donated to the Quebec Society for Disabled Children and five pediatric hospitals throughout Quebec, in keeping with Mr. Béliveau's long-time philanthropy on behalf of sick children.

---

The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
[Note: You are receiving this e-mail for information only, and because you have subscribed to our distribution list. To modify your subscription or to have your name removed from the list, go to: (http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/subscribe.asp?login)]