PM Invites Bibi

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper has invited new Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Canada. A statement issued April 16 by Harper’s office said a “congratulatory” phone call from Harper to Netanyahu also included talks “focused on the impact of the economic crisis, regional dynamics in the Middle East and the peace process.” It added that both men “agreed to meet at the earliest opportunity.” No date had been set as of last week.

Natives Give Gift

WINNIPEG — The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) gave $1 million to the Canadian Museum of Human Rights last week, leaving it just $1 million shy of its fundraising goal as construction on it began in the Manitoba capital. The donation came from profits from the South Beach Casino Resort, the Winnipeg Sun reported. Three levels of governments have pledged $160 million toward the $265-million cost. This latest gift brings total private donations to $104 million, said fundraising chair Gail Asper, whose late father, Izzy Asper, founder of Canwest Global Communications, conceived of the museum.

Borovoy Honoured

TORONTO — Alan Borovoy, longtime general counsel of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), was honoured April 28 at a gala dinner in Toronto to mark his retirement. The CCLA was formed in 1964 and Borovoy, 77, has headed it since 1968. He’s being succeeded by law professor Nathalie Des Rosiers.

Paisley Park Named

TORONTO — A portion of Windfields Park at York Mills Road and Bayview Avenue was formally renamed April 23 in honour of Irving Paisley, a longtime politician in the old city of North York. For more than 30 years, Paisley served on the council of the old township, borough and cities of North York as a councillor, controller and finally as deputy mayor. He was also founding chair of York Finch General Hospital and a founding member of Temple Sinai and the Reena Foundation.