Harper Government Announces First Partnership with the Canadian Museum of History

VICTORIA, February 21, 2013 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced the signing of a partnership agreement between the future Canadian Museum of History and the Royal BC Museum. This is the first in a series of partnership agreements that will allow the new Canadian Museum of History to fulfill its mandate.

“I am delighted to see the efforts being made to create links between museums across the country,” said Minister Moore. “Canada has many great museums that showcase particular aspects of our country’s history, and these collections are of interest for people across the country. On the road to Canada’s 150^th birthday in 2017, let us celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, strong, and free country we are today.”

These partnership agreements will increase collaboration in producing and presenting exhibitions and programs across Canada. They will give Canadians from coast to coast to coast the chance to benefit from the collections safeguarded by museums across the country, and will help enhance Canadians’ knowledge and understanding of our shared history. As a partner, the Royal BC Museum will have access to important pieces from the Canadian Museum of History’s collection, which includes some three and a half million items. The new museum will also have the benefit of regional perspectives from partners like the Royal BC Museum.

“The Royal BC Museum is an outstanding museum, and I am both pleased and honoured that they have accepted to join this newly created network of history museums,” said Mark O’Neill, President and CEO, Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. “Our two museums have a history of great collaborations, and I look forward to many more fruitful endeavours together.”

“We are pleased to be forging a strategic partnership with the Canadian Museum of History,” said Professor Jack Lohman, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal BC Museum. “Working with a network of the country’s top history museums allows us to increase our audiences, develop innovative new programs, share expertise, grow our staff, and maximize resources and impact.”

The Government of Canada is an occasional funding partner of the Royal BC Museum, through programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

For more information (media only), please contact:

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca