Return Earnscliffe to the Dominion of Canada.---

-- The Right Honourable John George Diefenbaker, Prime Minister of Canada.

House of Commons Debates  Ottawa  September 18, 1961.

The Right Hon. Mr. Diefenbaker: ".....One of our aims and purposes should be to preserve those places that are indeed the citadels of our freedom, that too often are removed or destroyed in order to meet the exigencies of modern life. One of those places is Earnscliffe, today the home of the British high commission in Canada. This indeed is one of those monuments that I hope in the years ahead will become part of the Canadian tradition and the property of the dominion.  As one walks about in that place and sees the history of our country, one cannot help but have that feeling. One who has given strong support to that suggestion is the hon. member for Bona-vista Twillingate. I refer to the necessity for the preservation of these things that, after all, show the greatness of a nation."

House of Commons Debates Ottawa March 18, 1964. Suggested acquisition of residence of Sir John A. Macdonald at Kingston.

Member of Parliament Edgar John Benson (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance) Liberal: ".....I believe that in addition to this Kingston property there is another residence in Canada, Earnscliffe in Ottawa, presently occupied by the United Kingdom high commissioner, which had a long association with Sir John A. Macdonald; and it is my personal feeling that the government of Canada should ultimately acquire the property."

House of Commons Debates  Ottawa  October 15, 1973.

Member of Parliament Mr. Clark (Rocky Mountain) Progressive Conservative. "...What was (a) the date (b) the result of the last attempt by the government to secure from the Government of Great Britain the return to Canada of the Earnscliffe residence of Sir John A. Macdonald?  2.) On what date is it intended to initiate another attempt to have this historic Canadian house returned to Canadian control?  3.) If no such initiative is intended, for what reason?"

Hon. Mitchell Sharp (Secretary of State for Urban Affairs.) "1.) While discussions have been held with the British authorities from time to time concerning Earnscliffe, the Canadian government has not attempted to acquire control of the property. 2.) At the present time, no plans exist to open discussions for the acquisition of this property. 3.) This historic building is being conscientiously maintained by the British High Commission. None the less, the government may wish to enter into discussions to acquire this property for the nation at some future time should an appropriate opportunity arise."

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House of Commons Debates  Ottawa   July 22, 1960.

Member of Parliament Jean-Thomas Richard (Ottawa East) Liberal:

".....With respect to Ottawa East, I urge the minister to do something about improving Sussex Drive, which should be selected as the site of important public buildings...There is no more beautiful site in Ottawa. If it were not for the French embassy and Earnscliffe there would be no buildings of beauty there. It is one of the finest locations in the city. It has Rideau falls and is a fine scenic drive."