Evidence of meeting #22 for Canadian Heritage in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was exhibition.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Denise Amyot  President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Science and Technology Museums Corporation
Marc Mayer  Director and Chief Executive Officer, National Gallery of Canada
Guy Vadeboncoeur  Executive Director and Chief Curator, Stewart Museum

12:40 p.m.

President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Science and Technology Museums Corporation

Denise Amyot

Maybe, Mr. Cash, I'll take this opportunity to rectify some of the things that were written in the media.

The exhibitions that we did on energy are in fact three exhibitions in each of our museums. It also includes a Pan-Canadian initiative of things happening across the country. So it's not only in one exhibition in one place. What is interesting, again, is that the media mentioned that it was an exhibition on the oil sands when in fact the oil sands represented 3% of one of our three exhibitions. Again, perceptions are such, and the way it is portrayed.... Unfortunately, it doesn't give the full story.

To answer your question, I think what is very important is to ensure.... For example, we put in place a national advisory committee, and I told you who we had on this national advisory committee. What we ensured also is that we added terms of reference that were very clear. Again, we did mention in those terms of reference that they were there to advise, to tell us also what's happening and what's new with respect to science and technology, because they may know things that we don't. But at the end of the day, it is the stories of the museums. We have the last word, if you like, to decide what will be written at the end.

What's happening is that, unfortunately, the media read things where we receive comments but it doesn't say what we take into account. It's not because we receive comments that at the end of the day we decide for X, Y, or Z. Again, this part of the story was not said.

So to preserve the integrity of the 150th, this is the way it would be said. I really like the way Monsieur Vadeboncoeur positioned it. What is important is the balance, to hear different stories. For example, we need to hear different voices. Again, I'm going back to the example of the exhibition that we have on energy: 60% is on non-renewable and 40% is on renewable energy. Did you read that in the media? No. It gives the impression it is on one little aspect of the exhibition. I think it is in dialogue that we're able to explain all the facts.

12:40 p.m.

NDP

Andrew Cash NDP Davenport, ON

Just so I'm clear, you are saying that there's no concern on your part around just the overall structure of an organizing structure for Canada's 150th that's going to have quite a significant corporate presence? You have no concern at all that it's going to impact the telling of the story?

12:40 p.m.

President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Science and Technology Museums Corporation

Denise Amyot

I think it's a matter of judgment. There may be some sponsors, for example, that would not be adequate for some kinds of activities aimed at certain groups. For example, if it is an activity for children, you would certainly not ask for tobacco corporate sponsor support.

12:45 p.m.

NDP

Andrew Cash NDP Davenport, ON

On that note, I--

12:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Rob Moore

Sorry, Mr. Cash; you guys are collectively over by 40 seconds.

12:45 p.m.

NDP

Andrew Cash NDP Davenport, ON

That was all Scott.

12:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Rob Moore

Yes.

I want to thank our witnesses for appearing today. We do apologize for the late start. We're very enthusiastic around this table about the upcoming 150th birthday of Canada, and we know that museums are going to play a very important role in telling that story. So thank you for your input today.

Now we will thank and dismiss our witnesses so we can go on to our committee business. Thank you again.

[Proceedings continue in camera]