Ottawa – February 12, 2015 – On Tuesday, February 17th, the Honourable Andrew Scheer, Speaker of the House of Commons will be moderating a panel discussion entitled: “The Magna Carta: What does it mean to Canada.” This event is to further promote Magna Carta Canada’s initiative to bring an original copy of the Magna Carta to Canada on the occasion of its 800th anniversary.

“The Magna Carta is a foundational document that has immense historical and institutional significance for Canada and indeed for all countries who respect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law,” said Speaker Scheer. “As Canadians we can trace the roots of our democratic way of life back to that field in Runnymede in 1215.”

Participating in the panel will be the Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister of State for Democratic Reform, Ms. Nathalie Des Rosiers, Dean of the University of Ottawa Law School, Common Law Section, and Ms. Almas Jiwani, President of the UN Women National Committee Canada.

“Magna Carta Canada has assembled an eminent panel of distinguished individuals to speak on the enduring legacy of the Magna Carta in Canada,” said Speaker Scheer. “I am looking forward to a lively exchange between the panelists and the unique perspective that each of them will bring to the discussion.”