About this site

According to regular Historica-Dominion Institute surveys, Canadians knowledge of the history of our Prime Ministers decline every year. On November 20 2008, the Institute launched Macdonald-Laurier Days, an education campaign to celebrate the birthdays of former Prime Ministers Sir John A MacDonald and Sir Wilfrid Laurier - Canada’s great nation builders. The project engages primarily young Canadians to celebrate the birthdays of the former Prime Minister’s and inform them of their accomplishments and legacy in the history of Canada. The campaign includes the following:

 

  • A National Poll that gauges Canadians’ knowledge of these former PMs and how their wisdom is applicable to modern-day issues
  • A Bilingual interactive website highlighting the accomplishments of each PM including a timeline of significant events, famous speeches and a special photo gallery
  • A National Quiz offered online and by text message with the chance to win prizes (link to prize section).

 

The program launched on November 20, 2008 (Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s birthday) with a public event at McGill University in Montreal called "What Would Laurier Do?". A special event to celebrate Sir John A Macdonald’s birthday took place on January 12, 2009 in Pitt Meadows, BC.

Thousands of Canadians - young and not-so-young - were engaged in this project through the creation and promotion of the online quiz and project website. Combined, these activities  communicated to Canadians the significance of these two commemorative days and the importance of Macdonald and Laurier to Canada’s history, politics and our sense of collective accomplishment.

Macdonald – Laurier Days is financially supported by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage Celebrations and Commemorations Program. Funding has also been provided by the Donner Canadian Foundation. In-kind contributions have been made by HBC Foundation, Random House Canada and Fairmont Hotels.

The Historica-Dominion Institute

The Historica-Dominion Institute is the largest independent organization dedicated to Canadian history, identity and citizenship. Launched in September 2009 through the amalgamation of The Historica Foundation of Canada and The Dominion Institute, our mandate is to build active and informed citizens through a greater knowledge and appreciation of the history, heritage and stories of Canada.

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Contact Us

The Historica-Dominion Institute
43 Front Street East, Suite 301
Toronto, ON M5E 1B3
staff@historica-dominion.ca
www.historica-dominion.ca