Communiqué
February 17 2016
House of Commons to Undertake Museums Study
OTTAWA, February 17, 2016 — The House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage
voted unanimously on Tuesday, February 16 to undertake a major study of the state of museums in
Canada. This study will include special references to issues facing local and small museums. “We are
extremely happy with this long needed study into our neglected museums,” said John G. McAvity, the
Canadian Museums Association’s executive director and CEO.
“The thorough study, which will be the first of its kind by members of Parliament, should lead to new
solutions for neglected museums. Too many museums are without proper support or incentives to
operate and yet they contain the stories and evidence of Canada’s rich past, its artistic heritage and
scientific discoveries. These museums are at the heart of their communities and are often run by loving
volunteers. It is time for a new federal museums policy that meets the needs of our museums in the
21st century and not last century’s solutions.”
The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage intends to call witnesses from museums across Canada
as well as to visit many museums in the course of its study over the coming months.
This study is a result of CMA’s recent Canadian Museums Day on Parliament Hill where CMA members
met with members of Parliament, senators and other officials. The announcement is a great example
of the power of working together with a strong united voice. Videos and photos from Canadian
Museums Day can be viewed on CMA’s website at www.museums.ca.
We sincerely thank all the members of Parliament who supported this motion at the Standing
Committee on Canadian Heritage meeting.
Watch our website for details and updates on the study. If you would like to present your story to the
Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, please let us know.
John G. McAvity
Executive Director & CEO
Canadian Museums Association
Disponible en francais
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