OTTAWA, April 15, 2010 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, and the Honourable John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament (Ottawa West-Nepean), today announced $15 million in additional funding for this fiscal year to assist four national museums in their operations.
"Our Government believes in our national museums and their tremendous value for Canadians," said Minister Moore. "We want to ensure that Canadians and tourists alike have access to our rich, diverse, and fascinating heritage."
"Our national museums are institutions that are cherished by Canadians and that play a major economic role in our tourism sector," said Minister Baird. "Last year, nearly 3 million people from across Canada and around the world visited Canada's four oldest national museums, boosting the tourism industry in the National Capital Region."
Today's investment reaffirms the Government of Canada's commitment to support the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation, and the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation in addressing accumulated operating pressures they currently face.
As part of Canada's Economic Plan, the Government of Canada is investing $540 million in the arts and culture sector to stimulate the economy. It also announced funding for federal arts programs totalling $1.51 billion over the next five years.
Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
