CHPC Committee Report
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The
Honourable Rob Moore,
P.C., M.P. Dear Mr. Moore: I am pleased to respond to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage’s Report Canada’s 150th Anniversary in 2017. I would like to thank the Standing Committee for its work on this study, and convey my appreciation to all of those who appeared before the Standing Committee to share their views. The 150th anniversary of Canada will gather Canadians from coast to coast to coast, in every province and territory, to celebrate our strong and free nation. The year 2017 presents an opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments to promote a strong sense of pride among all Canadians and to inspire a bright future for Canada. As the Committee has recommended, the Government recognizes the importance of holding inclusive consultations, keeping the planning process transparent, creating legacies, and encouraging participation. Our Government also understands the value of making the 150th anniversary of Confederation a pan-Canadian celebration that will resonate with our diverse population. As the recent announcement of the creation of the Canadian Museum of History shows, the Government strongly values the role museums play in preserving and commemorating our past. By the time we celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, Canadians will have a new museum that highlights the national achievements and accomplishments that have shaped our great country. And since museums across Canada play a vital role in telling our local and regional stories, they will be an important part of our celebration. I look forward to obtaining the support of all Committee members for the legislation that has been introduced to amend the Museums Act and establish the Canadian Museum of History. The road to Canada’s 150th birthday offers us an unprecedented opportunity to celebrate our history and the achievements that define who we are as Canadians. Recognizing anniversaries such as the bicentennial of Sir George-Étienne Cartier’s birth, the centennial of the start of the First World War, the 75th anniversary of the start of the Second World War and the bicentennial of Sir John A. Macdonald’s birth encourages Canadians to gain a true sense of our nation’s history and reaffirms our pride in our achievements. Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians, and we are proud to take a leadership role in planning this celebration. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous and free country we are today. On behalf of the Government, I wish to assure the Standing Committee that the recommendations put forward are being carefully considered and taken into account as planning progresses. I look forward to sharing our plans for this celebration as they unfold. Sincerely, The Honourable James Moore, P.C., M.P. |