Mr. Speaker, May 18 is International Museum Day.
This year's theme, “Museums and Universal Heritage”, provides an appropriate opportunity to reflect on the diverse heritage preserved and displayed in museums across Canada. Canada and its museums recognize the shared responsibility among the nations of the world to protect our common patrimony.
Canada's museums, whether small local community museums or large national institutions, have played and will continue to play an essential role in the life of this country.
Our government is committed to meaningful ongoing support and partnership. Our first priority must be to our federal museums that maintain the story of Canada as a country. In fact, our commitment to Canada's museums totals $267 million.
Cultural expression is vital to our nationhood and a thriving cultural sector is an essential part of strengthening Canada's quality of life.