Inverness erects tribute to MacEachen

Allan J. MacEachen, one of Cape Breton's biggest names in politics, now has a large marble statue in his honour.

About 150 people gathered in his hometown of Inverness on Saturday for the unveiling of the 10-tonne monument, a permanent reminder of the one-time deputy prime minister's accomplishments.

MacEachen, 87, was there for the tribute.

The staunch Liberal spent 27 years in the House of Commons. He held a number of portfolios, including finance, labour, immigration, health and Privy Council. He was a senator from 1984 to 1996.

MacEachen is an inspiration, said Rankin MacDonald, who recalled seeing him open a new federal building in Inverness in 1964.

"If this guy from Beaton Street could become the minister of labour in Canada and eventually the deputy prime minister, what could we achieve? He gave inspiration to a whole generation," MacDonald said.

A number of speakers praised MacEachen for his statesmanship and dedication to improving the lives of those he served.

The red marble structure sits to the left of the visitor centre. Some of MacEachen's accomplishments are listed on a bronze plaque.

Event organizer John [Butch] MacIsaac had fun pointing out that "PC" is engraved after the well-known Liberal's name.

"I know I don't need to explain this to this particular audience, but in this case, PC means Privy Council of Canada," MacIsaac said to laughter.