Mr. Speaker, earlier this afternoon the Prime Minister participated in the groundbreaking ceremony of the new site of the Canadian War Museum at LeBreton Flats.
This new museum will be a source of pride for all Canadians. It will show how war has shaped Canada by presenting military history from a personal, national and international perspective. The newly expanded space will also house a research centre, library and archives.
The museum will reflect the values of freedom and democracy that prevail throughout times of conflict. it will pay tribute to all those men and women who have served our country in times of peace and war. The building will be a living monument, not only to the memory of the past but also to living values and ideals
The location of the new building will link the museum to other national institutions such as the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the National Gallery of Canada, Parliament Hill, the National War Memorial and the National Archives. It will open in 2005 and will attract over 300,000 visitors a year.
We look forward to seeing the completion of what will undoubtedly become an internationally renowned institution.