19 December 2008
WINNIPEG
Construction has officially begun on the Canadian Human Rights Museum, a one-of-a-kind museum that celebrates Canada’s unique human rights heritage while recognizing the sacrifices and accomplishments of international human rights leaders throughout history.
“This great national project will stand as a symbol for freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper who participated in the official groundbreaking of the new museum. “Working together, we are building a monument to Canada’s embrace of humanity’s highest ideals.”
Jointly funded by all three levels of government and members of the local community, the Canadian Human Rights Museum will be the first new Canadian National Museum built in 40 years. Winnipeg will also hold the distinction of hosting the first National Museum to be built outside the National Capital Region. The museum will explore the subject of human rights, with special but not exclusive reference to Canada, in order to enhance public understanding of human rights, promote respect for others, and encourage reflection and dialogue. It is planned to open in 2012.
“Canadians are proud of our country’s human rights heritage and unwavering support of improved rights around the world,” said the Prime Minister who paid tribute to the late Izzy Asper’s role in making the museum a reality. “This museum will make a major contribution to Winnipeg’s incredible cultural mosaic. It will also serve as an inspiration for all those who continue to work to improve human rights for the world’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged people today.”
For more details on this project, please see Backgrounder: the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
