Backgrounder

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

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Backgrounder: Diefenbaker Canada Centre

September 9, 2010
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

The Harper Government is providing up to $1,327,200 through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to the University of Saskatchewan's plan to rejuvenate the Diefenbaker Canada Centre, covering approximately half of the total eligible project costs of $2.65 million. The University of Saskatchewan is covering the remaining costs.

The project includes converting storage space to shared office and meeting spaces, restoring meeting and community spaces, renovating the lobby, and upgrading the main gallery and exhibit area, allowing for increased public programming.

Located on the University of Saskatchewan campus, the Diefenbaker Canada Centre is a museum, archives and research centre. It contains over three million documents, eight thousand photographs and two major press clippings collections which provide a unique record of John Diefenbaker's life and of Canadian history.

When John Diefenbaker became Chancellor of the University of Saskatchewan in 1969, he announced his intention to bequeath his papers, memorabilia, personal library and Sir John A. Macdonald collection to his alma mater. The Diefenbaker Canada Centre preserves these core collections. In addition, it presents national and international cultural exhibitions and develops educational and public programs. The Centre's themes are Canadian citizenship, leadership and Canada's role in the international community.

John Diefenbaker was Prime Minister of Canada from 1957 to 1963. Born in Neustadt, Ontario in 1895, Mr. Diefenbaker trained to be a lawyer, graduating from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Arts and an LLB. On July 1, 1960, John Diefenbaker established the Canadian Bill of Rights, which committed the federal government to "the recognition and protection of human rights and freedoms."

Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada established the $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF). The ISF provides funding to provincial, territorial, municipal and community infrastructure projects that are construction-ready, creating jobs and providing short-term economic stimulus.

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