[Bcma-l] CMA, Communique: CMA meets with Heritage Minister Josee Verner

[bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca]

    CMA meets with Heritage Minister Josée Verner

*Ottawa, November 23, 2007* —Yesterday, the Canadian Museums Association 
(CMA) had its first official meeting with Canada’s new Heritage 
Minister, the Honourable Josée Verner.

John G. McAvity, CMA executive director, was very encouraged by this 
first meeting: “I believe we are off to a very good beginning with the 
new Minister. She made no promises — which we did not expect at this 
first meeting — but she was very attentive and open. She is genuinely 
supportive of the role of museums in society and I believe this bodes 
well for the future."

The CMA informed Minister Verner of the pressing issues facing the 
sector and presented several proposals for discussion. CMA president 
Andrée Gendreau emphasized the opportunities museums present to Canada 
and the critical challenges they face on sustained financial stability. 
Other issues discussed included steps to strengthen museums in 
communities, travelling exhibitions, the need for a matching endowment 
program, and concerns regarding the fate of the Exhibit Transportation 
Services.

The Minister was very interested in CMA’s proposals. She pledged to give 
them full consideration and expressed willingness to work with CMA. CMA 
offered to work with her officials to advance these proposals as soon as 
possible.

The CMA delegation included: CMA president Andrée Gendreau; Janet 
Brooke, a CMA past-president; Jim Everson, CMA's director of government 
relations; and Monique Horth, CMA deputy director; as well as John McAvity.

The Minister will be appearing before the Standing Committee on Canadian 
Heritage on Thursday, November 29, 2007. CMA also expects to appear 
before the Standing Committee on Finance shortly to offer advice on the 
2008 federal budget.


- 30 -


For more information:
Naomi Grattan
Director Communications
613-567-0099 x223
ngrattan@museums.ca <mailto:ngrattan@museums.ca>

Aussi disponible en français.