Government Operations Committee on Nov. 17th, 2016

[Nick Whalen, Liberal, St. John's East, NL]

I had an opportunity to sit on the heritage committee, and it was wonderful to see some of the new technology that CBC has for 360-degree viewing. It's a very interesting experience, especially with the murdered and missing indigenous women's study going on now. They had some very interesting stories, in a very interesting way. I think that the money is being well spent.

In terms of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, they're receiving new appropriations of $11.9 million. I also see that there's a museum assistance program, for another $1.5 million, coming in for the same sort of thing.

I was wondering if Treasury Board could explain each of these amounts, what purpose they're serving, what they're for, and why they're in two places and not one.

[Scott Brison, Liberal, Kings—Hants, NS]

I will ask Brian to respond.

I can say that the Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg is a remarkable achievement for our country, with leadership by the Asper Foundation, supported by the federal government.

It is tremendously important to recognize the diversity we have in Canada, and the role we have, both within Canada and globally, to defend human rights. I think of that human rights museum in Winnipeg. I think also of the immigration museum in Halifax. These are important national museums that are outside of Ottawa.

Also, as a Nova Scotian, I believe we need to celebrate Canadian greatness across Canada, and, of course, in Ottawa. I think it's great when we can identify these opportunities to invest in and promote Canadian excellence and leadership in institutions like the museum of human rights and the immigration museum.

Brian.

[The Chair, Conservative, Tom Lukiwski]

Very quickly.

[Brian Pagan]

Budget 2016 announced $105.9 million over five years, and $6.1 million ongoing, as a horizontal initiative to support a number of museums, including the Museum for Human Rights. That investment in budget 2016 is both for refurbishment of infrastructure—elevators, access ramps, and that sort of thing— and for the payment of property taxes, property in lieu of taxes.

[Nick Whalen, Liberal, St. John's East, NL]

Thank you very much. I had a chance to go to that museum in May, and it truly is a moving experience. It's a remarkable achievement.

[The Chair, Conservative, Tom Lukiwski]

Thank you, Mr. Whalen.

Mr. Minister, would you have an additional three minutes? That would allow us to complete the full round, with Mr. Weir having the last three-minute intervention.

Unfortunately, I have to leave. If you do as well, sir, I will adjourn now. It's up to you.

[Scott Brison, Liberal, Kings—Hants, NS]

Actually, I have to go because I have an announcement.

[The Chair, Conservative, Tom Lukiwski]

As do I. I have a meeting with the Liaison Committee. That's fine.

[Scott Brison, Liberal, Kings—Hants, NS]

I always enjoy our conversations. Thank you very much, Mr. Lukiwski.

Thank you very much, to all the members of this committee. I look forward to returning.

[The Chair, Conservative, Tom Lukiwski]

Thank you, and we will have you back again, sir.

We are adjourned.