Speeches for The Honourable Michael M Fortier
Minister of Public Works and Government Services
LIBRARY OF PARLIAMENT - END OF CONSTRUCTION AND TRANSFER OF BUILDING TO PARLIAMENT
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Parliament of Canada
Ottawa
Check Against Delivery
Thank you, for that kind introduction. Speakers Milliken and Kinsella, ladies and gentlemen, good morning.
I am both pleased and proud to join you today on such an auspicious occasion. I feel quite privileged as a very recent arrival to Ottawa to be able to take part in this ceremony.
As the last remaining link to Parliament’s original building, the Library of Parliament holds a special place in Canadian history. It truly is a beautiful landmark, one that now stands as a bricks-and-mortar example of both progress and preservation.
I can quickly appreciate why the Library is referred to as an architectural treasure. With its dome ceilings and Victorian Gothic style… with the beautiful woodwork, the finest stonework and the intricate ironwork, the Library has regained its rightful position among the most cherished and elegant of Canadian buildings.
As we all know, that wasn’t always the case. Just think back to 2002, when the rehabilitation began. The Library was deteriorating quickly. By the time the first book was removed for safe storing, this Library had in fact become a shell of its former self, failing to do justice to the status as a Classified Federal Heritage Building and National Historic Site.
The roof was leaking. Walls were crumbling. The ironwork was deteriorating. Windows were damaged. These weren’t just minor flaws. They were enough to compromise the Library’s architectural integrity, not to mention one of the most important library collections in the country. A rejuvenation effort was in order. After four years of labouring in all conditions, we can safely say that the problems have been addressed and the rehabilitation is complete.
To all of those who invested time and talent in the renewal effort, I say thank you on behalf of all Canadians for a job well done. From the PWGSC and Library of Parliament team, to the architects and engineers, to the stonemasons, to the woodworkers — and including everyone in between — the quality of your work and dedication speaks for itself.
The result is that the Library of Parliament will soon be ready to resume its services and visitors will once again be able to admire its magnificent interior.
And whether they’re working or wandering, guests will appreciate the effort that went into preserving this Library’s legacy.
Buildings of historical significance are meaningful links — to another time… to a different era.
In many cases, the buildings themselves are works of art which, if demolished, are lost forever. And although we can always rebuild anew, rarely can we replicate an aura.
Thankfully, progress and preservation held equal weight in the rehabilitation of the Library of Parliament. PWGSC called on specialized experts whose rare skills could give the Library the make-over it needed, with the understanding that its unique qualities would be preserved and enhanced for all generations to enjoy and experience.
As we open the doors and take our first look inside today, I think we can all agree that the building’s historical significance has remained intact, along with the integrity of its original detailing.
For that, I applaud everyone who was involved in this significant rehabilitation project, and once again commend you for a job well done.
Before we enter the magnificent Library of Parliament, I would like to present to Speaker Kinsella and Speaker Milliken a symbolic key. This key represents the official transfer of the building from Public Works and Government Services to Parliament.
Thank you. |
