High Commission of Brunei, Ottawa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids High Commission of Brunei Darussalam in Ottawa |
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| Location | Sandy Hill, Ottawa |
| Address | 395 Laurier Avenue East |
| Coordinates | 45°25′43″N 75°40′35″W / 45.428539°N 75.676360°W |
The High Commission of Brunei Darussalam in Canada is like Brunei's embassy in Canada. It's found in Ottawa, Ontario, in a part of the city called Sandy Hill. The High Commission is located at 395 Laurier Avenue East, inside a famous old building known as Stadacona Hall.
The Story of Stadacona Hall
Early Days and Famous Residents
Stadacona Hall was built in 1871. A rich businessman named John Cameron, who worked with wood, had it built. He didn't live there for long. Instead, he rented it to important people.
The first person to rent the house was Joseph Edouard Cauchon. He was the Speaker of the Senate of Canada. This means he was in charge of meetings in the Senate, which is part of Canada's government. Cauchon's wife named the building "Stadacona Hall." She named it after Stadacona, which was the First Nations name for her hometown, Quebec City.
Later, the house became home to Prime Minister John A. Macdonald. He was Canada's first Prime Minister. He and his family lived there from 1878 to 1883. After them, other well-known people lived in the house. These included Sir Frederick Borden and William Rowley.
From Residence to High Commission
After World War II, the country of Belgium bought Stadacona Hall. It became the home for Belgium's ambassador in Canada. An ambassador is a top diplomat who represents their country in another country.
In 1995, Belgium decided to make their operations smaller. So, they put the building up for sale. The Government of Brunei Darussalam bought it. Today, Brunei Darussalam uses Stadacona Hall as its High Commission. This is where Brunei's diplomats work in Canada.
