QUESTION PERIOD — Public Services and Procurement
Arthur Meighen Building
December 4, 2025
Government leader, in midtown Toronto stands the Arthur Meighen Building, named in 1957 after a former Progressive Conservative prime minister. Yet after a major renovation wrapped up in 2024, thanks to prime ministerial historian J.D.M. Stewart, Canadians noticed something conspicuously absent: Arthur Meighen’s name no longer appears on the front of the building. Your government removed his name from the exterior and now claims his commemoration survives on an interior plaque tucked away somewhere in the building.
Leader, the previous Liberal government had a habit of erasing our history. Can you tell Canadians whether this new Liberal government intends to continue that trend? Why is it erasing the public commemoration of a former prime minister of Canada?
That’s a good question. I don’t think there’s any intention on the part of the government to erase our history — quite the contrary. As a matter of fact, we had the King visit the Senate during the opening of our session.
I think it underlined very well that Canada is historically well grounded and that the government is respecting its history.
As far as the building and the plaque are concerned, I have no information concerning this specific case. I will make an inquiry and see whether the plaque should be put back outside at the front of the building. As of right now, I don’t know where the plaque is. I believe it is inside the building if I understand your question correctly. I will get back to you with more information as soon as I know where the plaque is located.
I appreciate you looking into this, Senator Moreau, because Canadians shouldn’t need a scavenger hunt to find where their history has been hidden.
May I confirm that the government will commit to restoring Arthur Meighen’s name to the front of the building and commit to preserving — not hiding — Canada’s heritage in our public institutions?
I am committed to understanding where the plaque is that you are referring to. I will get back to you as soon as I know exactly what we’re talking about.
