News Release

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

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PM unveils portrait of former Prime Minister Arthur Meighen

February 16, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today unveiled the portrait of Arthur Meighen, Canada's ninth prime minister, and the first and only prime minister from Manitoba.

"I am pleased to recognize the life and contributions of Arthur Meighen – the only Canadian to serve as prime minister, opposition leader in the House of Commons, and government and opposition leader in the Senate," said Prime Minister Harper. "His portrait has hung in these hallways for decades, but today, he finally receives his well-deserved tribute."

Described as an unequalled parliamentary debater, Mr. Meighen served two terms as prime minister during the 1920s, during which his government successfully passed two important trade treaties – one with France and the other with the West Indies.

Prior to taking office as prime minister, Mr. Meighen was a leader in the creation of the Canadian National Railway. Despite his success as a lawyer and businessman, Meighen was said to love public service more.

Serving in Cabinet through World War One, he successfully delivered on his government's most important promise – a program offering assistance to veterans becoming farmers.

Mr. Meighen's legacy lives on in Parliament and across this great country – with a mountain in British Columbia, an island in the Canadian Arctic, schools in Manitoba and Ontario, and a federal building in Toronto named after him.

His portrait hangs on the second floor of the Centre Block on Parliament Hill, along with those of other former prime ministers.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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