Unexpected Cuts to MAP - a big hit
to Ontario Museums
Toronto, September 26, 2006: Yesterday, the MInisters of Finance,
Hon. Jim Flaherty, and President of the Treasury Board, Hon. John
Baird, annonced spending cuts, including a cut of $4.6 million to
the Museums Assistance Program (MAP) of the Department of Canadian
Heritage. MAP is one program that is dedicated solely to museums
and this cut represents a decrease of almost 50%.
Already suffering from under-funding, it is anticipated by many
members that Ontario museums will be hit hard by this funding reduction
to MAP. If museums are to continue to deliver on their mandates
and to serve all citizens across the country and the province, more
not less public funding is crucial to assist them.
The cut was identified for "efficiencies". The government
backgrounder further states that "This (Expenditure
Management System) will ensure that this Goverment only approves
funds that are actually needed to achieve measurable results
in a way that is effective, and provides value for money
on behalf of Canadians."
lhttp://www.fin.gc.ca/news06/06-047e.html
This decision contradicts the Conservative Party written statements
provided to the Canadian Museums Association (CMA) during the last
election, committing to both a new policy and new investments; and
it also appears to be in contradiction to the recent work and actions
of the Standing Committee on Heritage, which just a few days ago
tabled a report and a recommendation in the House of Commons for
the development of the new Canadian Museums Policy.
In an August reply to OMA President Ed Driedger regarding delays
in notification of applicants to Department of Canadian Heritage
programs, Minister Oda stated "Please be assured that I
recognize the present financial challenges and needs of museums,
and acknowledge the importance of timely funding to the success
of heritage organizations and their activities...I have also asked
departmental officials to continue to work with heritage organizations
to develop a renewed vision for the role of museums in the 21st
century." (posted at www.museumsontario.com) To better
understand the government's action, the OMA will be inviting Minister
Oda to address conference delegates at the October OMA conference
in Owen Sound.
We encourage you to contact your Member of Parliament to inform
them of the impact this cut will have on your projects and local
initiatives.
Please visit the OMA website for information as it becomes available.
Contact:
Marie G. Lalonde
Executive Director
mlalonde@museumsontario.com
416-348-8672 or toll-free in Ontario 1-866-OMA-8672
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