Mr. Speaker, May 18 is International Museum Day. The theme for this year's celebration is “Museums as agents of social change and development”.
This year's theme is fitting because on March 13, the bill that established the Canadian Museum for Human Rights received royal assent. It is the first national museum outside the nation's capital.
In budget 2008 our government announced an additional $9 million over two years to assist the operating and infrastructure needs for the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Canada Science and Technology Museum and the Canadian Museum of Nature.
International Museum Day gives us the opportunity to show our pride and celebrate Canada's heritage. This rich and multifaceted heritage is preserved in our museums and galleries across our country.
I encourage everyone to see an exhibit, take a guided tour and experience the wonders that our museums have to offer.