Mr. Speaker, on September 25 the Conservative government announced $1 billion in cuts to social programs on the same day that it announced a $13.5 billion surplus. This move targeted those most in need and sparked outrage across the country.
Included in the announcement was a $4.2 million cut to the museums assistance program. This move runs contrary to the Conservative election promise for new investments in the museums sector.
This comes as a blow to small regional museums and organizations that struggle to preserve and promote our cultural heritage with limited financial means.
My riding boasts a vibrant Acadian, Mi'kmaq, Planter and Loyalist heritage, as well as others, and is home to the oldest settlement in the country. The good people of West Nova know what it means to be efficient.
Efficiency does not mean that we cut out valuable programs that help our communities preserve and celebrate their heritage. Efficiency does not mean that we cut the legs from under our tourism industry.