NLIS 5
September 19, 2005
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)
 

Minister reports on meetings of ministers responsible for culture and heritage

Paul Shelley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today reported on the meeting of ministers responsible for culture and heritage held in Banff, Alberta, September 15-16. The theme of the meeting was Responding to a Changing Canadian Society, and focused primarily on cultural investment and the role of Canada�s museums.

�We understand that culture is dynamic, and our creative communities are constantly affected by the trends that exist locally, nationally and internationally,� said Minister Shelley. �Issues such as demographics, global networking and learning within the context of an innovative world have significant impacts on the cultural fabric of our country, and governments have to acknowledge these impacts as policies and programs are developed.�

In terms of the current and future cultural needs of Canada, the ministers were presented with a number of progress reports on the Historic Places Initiative; the Culture/Heritage and Tourism Initiative; the revitalization of Canada�s museums; cultural investment; the National Forum on Health and Culture; arts and learning; and the significance of preserving, revitalizing and promoting Aboriginal languages and cultures.

As the Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, Minister Shelley said he was particularly pleased that Aboriginal culture was given a distinct focus within the context of the meeting. �We take great pride in the cultural identity that binds us as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and our Aboriginal culture is a very important part of this identity,� said the minister. �Our Aboriginal culture includes our past and present-day peoples and their various art forms, and we need to preserve, protect and strengthen this part of our culture by valuing the legacy they have created and continue to create.�

A major component of the meeting was the adoption of a joint resolution affirming the important role of museums across the country as cultural, social, economic and educational drivers. Provincial and territorial ministers called upon the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Liza Frulla, to move forward with the development of a museum policy that complements provincial policies and programs currently in place.

The ministers also discussed other significant cultural issues such as the long-term future of the Library Book Rate; federal tax incentives to preserve historic places; support for the development and maintenance of new and existing cultural infrastructure; federal funding support for music industry associations; and the socio-economic status of artists across the country.

�This meeting was most productive in terms of putting our cultural priorities on the table,� continued Minister Shelley. �We recognize, as a group, that our cultural identity enhances our lives socially and economically, inspiring us to maintain our unique culture for this generation and generations to come. As such, we must work as a cohesive group to ensure the cultural needs of our country are addressed in a timely and effective manner, so we have some tangible results to report when we reconvene in Ontario next fall.�

Media contact: Melony O�Neill, Communications, (709) 729-0557, 728-7762

2005 09 19                                   2:20 p.m.


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