Federal Budget 2007: A Disappointment
for Museums
March 19, 2007
We echo the Canadian Museum Association (CMA)'s disappointment
with the federal budget as there is no mention of a new museum policy
and related funding. Little attention or resources are allocated
to museums and culture in this and next fiscal year's budgets. Some
minor spending on related areas are the following:
(quoted from the budget see http://www.budget.gc.ca/2007/bp/bpc3e.html)
(Intro)"Celebrating Our Culture
As Canadians, we are proud of our history and culture and the things
that make us unique. Canada is home to natural and historic treasures
that are precious to Canadians and a part of who we are. Canadians
are proud of sports they can call their own. Cultural events and
historic dramatizations keep Canada’s culture and history
alive.
Local Arts and Heritage Festivals
The Government is committed to strengthening the cultural experiences
of Canadians. Events celebrating local arts and heritage often define
these communities across the country. Budget 2007 provides support
for activities and projects that engage Canadians in their communities
through the performing and visual arts and in the expression, celebration
and preservation of local culture. Eligible events will include
festivals celebrating heritage, arts and culture through dance,
music and drama and re-enactments of local historical events. In
recognition of the importance of these activities, an investment
of $30 million per year will be made.
Summer Museum Internships
Many museums, particularly in smaller and mid-sized communities,
would benefit from the additional assistance of qualified, young
workers. Budget 2007 provides $5 million per year to hire summer
interns in these museums. This will provide on-the-job experience
for youth to complement their education and contribute to the valuable
ongoing work of these museums.
Canada’s National Trust
Canadians are proud of their historic places, properties and lands,
and they want to protect and preserve them. Building on the successful
model of the National Trust in the United Kingdom, Budget 2007 provides
$5 million over two years for the establishment of a new entity,
Canada’s National Trust, that will protect lands, buildings
and national treasures. The Trust will be able to receive donations
and contributions to ensure its long-term sustainability. It will
be managed and directed by private-sector individuals, and will
be at arm’s length from the Government.”
The following sections may also be of interest under Chapter
3: A Better Canada
- Preserving the National Capital
- Enabling Accessibility Fund
Contact: Marie G. Lalonde
Executive Director
oma@museumsontario.com
416-348-8672
or toll-free in Ontario 1-866-OMA-8672
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