[Bcma-l] (Fwd) Federal Budget: No Commitment to Museum Policy

[bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca]

------- Forwarded message follows -------
Subject:        	CMA, Communiqué: Federal Budget: No Commitment to 
	Museum Policy															
Date sent:      	Mon, 19 Mar 2007 17:33:41 -0400
From:           	"John McAvity" <JMcAvity@museums.ca>
  
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Federal Budget: No Commitment to Museum Policy


Ottawa, March 19, 2007 - The Canadian Museums Association was
surprised that today's federal budget failed to deliver a new museum
policy, or new funding, despite the Conservative Party's often-repeated 
election promise. 

"This government has repeatedly committed to introducing a new 
museums policy and has promised that support for Canada's museums 
would be a priority," said John McAvity, CMA executive director. "We 
can only hope that Minister Oda has some better news when she 
speaks to our annual conference in Ottawa on March 29. All eyes will 
be on the Minister to see if this government will deliver on its promise." 

The 2007 budget does include the provision of $5 million annually for
small and medium sized museums to hire summer students. "This is 
very welcome news, especially for smaller museums," noted McAvity. 
"It is a good step in the right direction." 

Last September the government cut 25% from the Museums 
Assistance Program - the only federal program solely devoted to 
supporting museums. 

Following the cut, Heritage Minister Bev Oda made the following
statement to the House of Commons: "After more than a decade of
neglect, all museums are facing challenges. We recognize that. That is
why we are going to develop a new museums policy that will serve all
museums, national, regional and local, in every community across the
country." 

Today McAvity commented: "Since the day this government was sworn 
into office, we have been working with them on the museums policy. 
The work is done; the need is there; we have all-party support from 
Parliament. We just need this government to deliver on its promise." 

CMA has recommended an increase of up to $75 million to a 
revitalized Museums Assistance Program, administered at arm's-length 
from the government and the establishment of an endowment fund for 
long-term support. 

- 30 - 

The Canadian Museums Association is the national organization for 
the advancement of the Canadian museum sector. 

For more information: 
Naomi Grattan 
Director of Communications 
Canadian Museums Association 
ngrattan@museums.ca
613-567-0099 x223 

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_______________________________
Jim Harding, ED
BC Museums Association
(250) 356-5694