Messages from Allies

From the Canadian Museums Association through the Ontario Museum Association:

2008 Canadian Federal Election: Political Parties' Positions on Museums

October 1, 2008, Ottawa - As a non-partisan organization, the CMA strongly believes in the public role and benefit of museums to our society.

We believe that governments at all levels have a unique role in supporting our heritage. A recent public opinion poll conducted by an independent research firm demonstrates that Canadians support museums. Please go to our website for full survey details.

The CMA has written to all five major political parties for their positions on museums. As of our deadline, we have received responses from four of the major parties. Below you will find an overview of the responses; to see them in full, please go to our Response from Parties page.

Response Overview

Bloc Québécois

The Bloc Québécois is asking the federal government for a new museum policy that is in line with the current needs of Quebec and Canadian museums.

It is imperative that culture be transferred to the government of Quebec with the necessary funds for Quebec to provide itself with a museum policy that meets its needs.

The Bloc Québécois will continue to hound the federal government to reinvest the funds cut from the programs that support museums.

Conservative Party

CMA has not received a response from the Conservatives Party as of yet. Watch for updates on our website, as it will be posted upon arrival.

Green Party

Increased support for community arts programs and facilities across Canada by establishing stable base funding at a set percentage of the federal budget.

The Green Party of Canada will remove the GST from Arts and Culture products and services while imposing a carbon tax on burning hydrocarbons and releasing their by-products into the atmosphere.

The Green Party will also restore the government provided transport service to allow the transport of exhibitions between museums and galleries.

Liberal Party

Promise to bring in a new vision for Canadian Museums at the federal level.

Promise to raise Museum Assistance Program by $16 million per year over 4 years with emphasis on community museums.

Promise to double the Canada Council for the Arts budget to $360 million per year.

New Democratic Party

The federal government plays an important role in ensuring that this heritage and culture preservation continues.

We do support new vision and new programs intended to support museums across the country. We are willing to work with the museum sector to ensure that this new policy is reflective of their needs and concerns.

Stable core funding is a major priority, and the flat line in spending must be addressed. We also believe that increasing investment in research of collections and acquisitions is central to updating exhibits and keeping museums relevant.

Action you can take

Get involved and actively participate in your democratic right on October 14th. CMA urges you and all museum friends and members to speak up and question candidates on their views on funding for our museums. Please go to our Elections Toolkit for sample questions and letters.

The CMA is also a member of the Canadian Arts Coalition; visit their website at www.canadianartscoalition.ca for further information and resources on the election.


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For further information:

John McAvity, Executive Director, jmcavity@museums.ca

Monique Horth, Deputy Director, mhorth@museums.ca

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