FORMER Prime Minister Sir John Major has thrown his weight behind plans to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Sir John A Macdonald – the Glasgow man who became Canada's first Prime Minister.
He was born in Ramshorn parish in January 1815 and was only five years old when his family emigrated to eastern Ontario.
A special day is held in Macdonald's honour in Canada every January 11.
Sir John Major, who occupied Number 10 between 1990 and 1997, has accepted an invitation to become one of the honorary commissioners of the Sir John A Macdonald Bicentennial Commission. The others include the six living former Canadian prime ministers – Kim Campbell, Jean Chretien, Joe Clark, Paul Martin, Brian Mulroney and John Napier Turner.
Kingston's Peter Milliken, the longest-serving Speaker of Canada's House of Commons, is the patron of the commission,
Commissioner Arthur Milnes said: "Sir John Major's decision to join the bicentennial celebrations is an important sign for Canadians about how truly significant the celebrations of Canada's Father of Confederation's 200th birthday are.
"We are very grateful to him for honouring us this way.
"In his lifetime, Sir John A Macdonald believed, as Sir John Major does today, in building and fostering stronger links between Canada and the UK. We couldn't be happier."
The commission is organising and encouraging celebrations, discussions and events in the arts, education, tourism and other sectors to help Canadians mark the anniversary.
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