On Tuesday of this week, your colleagues on the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage released a long-awaited report on the state of Canadian museums. It took two years to complete, and contains 15 significant recommendations to move forward and address the issues of the museum sector. We urge you to take these recommendations into consideration for budget 2019. Their recommendations are, in fact, parallel to the ones that we have made to you in our brief.
According to the Department of Canadian Heritage, some 38% of museums are in poor or out-of-date buildings. Leaky roofs, improper or out-of-date fire systems, and inadequate environmental controls abound. In addition, lack of federal leadership in this sector has resulted in many other issues, including a serious decline in scholarship, care of collections, conservation and other back-of-house responsibilities.
Museums are not just about the collections of valuable artifacts, works of art and specimens. They are about far more than that. They are about building a better society and nation. In short, these institutions bring out the best in people. Museums are at the heart of Canada and at the heart of their communities. They welcome everyone and address contemporary issues through a historical lens, and vice versa. They bring people together and build awareness, appreciation and understanding.