OTTAWA, April 26, 2008--The Minister Responsible for Parks Canada, John Baird, issued the following statement today regarding reports of vandalism at the tomb of former Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Pierre Elliott Trudeau.
"I was informed late yesterday that the tomb of former Prime Minister Trudeau had been vandalized," said Baird. "Parks Canada helps ensure the upkeep and maintenance of the graves of former Prime Ministers, along with local organizations. As Minister Responsible for Parks Canada, I instructed my officials to take action at the earliest opportunity to ensure the site is cleaned."
"I also spoke last evening with the Trudeau family and assured them that we would do everything to make sure the site was returned to a proper state,"said Baird.
"It is important to protect the historic resting places of former Prime Ministers, and these places should at all times be given the respect and honour they deserve," concluded Baird.
Information:
Garry Keller
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
Cell: 613.314.0729
Nicole Racette
National Director
Corporate Communications
Parks Canada
Cell: 613.769.4638
