Mr. Chairman, we're delighted to be here to discuss the urgent situation facing museums in Canada. We're very pleased that you've taken immediate action to study our recommendations for a new Canadian museums policy. There's overwhelming support for a new museums policy and increased federal investment in museums. The Standing Committee on Finance made strong recommendations in 2004-05. This committee also made similar recommendations. The Auditor General has spoken out on the serious issues facing the protection of our heritage assets.
In September 2005, provincial and territorial heritage ministers unanimously supported the development of a new federal policy. The museums community fully endorses a new policy and sees it as the number one priority. The CMA has talked to just about everyone. Our approach is strongly endorsed by municipalities, including the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the tourism industry, educators, and community leaders, amongst others. As well, there's overwhelming support from the public in our public opinion surveys. We were pleased that all political parties supported the call for a new museums policy during the federal election.
There are many good reasons for a new Canadian museums policy, and it is urgent that it be concluded in this Parliament. We urge this committee to seize the opportunity and provide recommendations in a timely manner to help secure a new policy before the end of this year. The recommendations that the CMA made to the minister are practical, pragmatic, and achievable. Our financial requests are within reason and based on a sound business framework that will assist museums in achieving greater financial sustainability for a long-term solution.