News Release

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

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PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER OFFICIALLY OPENS BAPS SWAMINARAYAN COMPLEX

July 22, 2007
TORONTO

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today officially opened the BAPS Swaminarayan Complex, a dual-purpose facility that houses the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and the Canadian Museum of Cultural Heritage of Indo-Canadians.

"Located in the country's most ethnically diverse city, the facility stands as a testament to Canada and India's proud traditions of pluralism. On behalf of the Government of Canada it gives me great pleasure to declare the BAPS Swaminarayan Complex officially open," said the Prime Minister.

While the Mandir will provide an additional place of worship for local Hindus, the museum will inspire visitors to appreciate how the spiritually diverse, multi-ethnic, multi-linguistic heritage of Indo-Canadians has contributed to the fields of arts, architecture, science, democracy, education, and pluralism.

Prime Minister Harper took the opportunity to thank BAPS, or Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, a global social-spiritual organization that promotes peaceful co-existence among all communities through understanding and cooperation, provides aid domestically and abroad, and promotes a sense of integration and social consciousness among youth while preserving faith and heritage, for seeing the project through to fruition.

The Prime Minister also thanked His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the Inspirer of the Swaminarayan Complex, saying that he has given a great and wonderful gift to the people of Canada.

"This awe-inspiring work of architectural brilliance will serve as a source of pride for not just Indo-Canadians, but indeed all Canadians," said Prime Minister Harper.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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