Summerside, P.E.I., June 3, 2005 - A federal building in Summmerside, PEI, will be named in honour of the late Honourable Joseph A. Ghiz, former Premier of Prince Edward Island. Mr. Ghiz served as Premier of the province from 1986 to 1993. The Honourable Joe McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Honourable John McCallum, Minister of National Revenue, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, during a ceremony at the building that will bear Mr. Ghiz's name. "I am very pleased to be involved in the naming of this building, in honour of one of this province's truly great leaders. The naming of the Joseph A. Ghiz Government of Canada Building recognizes Mr. Ghiz's significant contributions to the community of Summerside, and to the Province of Prince Edward Island," said Minister McGuire. "He was an ardent defender of his province and was regarded by many as one of the most passionate and eloquent Canadians in our nation's history." "Our family is honoured that the work of my late husband has been acknowledged by the Government of Canada in such a touching fashion. I remember how proud he had been to witness the opening of this building," said Rose Ellen Ghiz, who was unable to attend the event in person, but was represented by son Robert, daughter Joanne and Mr. Ghiz's mother, Marguerite. During his illustrious career, Mr. Ghiz also served as Leader of the Opposition, and MLA for Sixth Queens constituency. A graduate of Harvard and Dalhousie universities, he was also Dean of Law at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia from 1993-1995 and was subsequently appointed to the Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island. Mr. Ghiz passed away in 1996. The building that will bear his name currently houses Canada Revenue Agency employees, and is locally known as the Summerside Tax Centre. Officially opened in 1993, the building is situated on a gently rolling site of approximately 7 hectares, and covers 20,000 square metres, over two stories. Mr. Ghiz is credited with having led the initiative with other community leaders to building the Tax Centre in Summerside, in the wake of the closure of the Summerside military base. His legacy is one of perseverance, strength of conviction and a willingness to do what many said could not be done. "To honour this man who meant so much to the Island and its' inhabitants, and to whom the Island meant so much, it is entirely fitting that we announce the naming in his legacy. I believe our employees will take inspiration from this naming, and will want to emulate the principles that Joe Ghiz stood for," said Minister McCallum. -30- For further information, please contact: Renée David Press Secretary Office of Minister Brison (819) 997-5421 Ron Crozier Special Assistant Office of Minister McGuire (902) 888-4150 David Hurl Press Secretary Office of Minister McCallum (613) 995-2960
