Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Affirm Support for Culture and Heritage

WINNIPEG, Sept. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for culture and heritage in Canada met in Winnipeg, Manitoba, today. They agreed on the relevance of a strategic framework for cooperation on culture and heritage that is centred on development, cultural engagement and conservation. The Ministers recognized the importance of working together so the arts, culture and heritage will continue to enrich the lives of Canadians. They also underscored the importance of the creative economy as a driver of Canada's long-term prosperity.

The meeting was co-chaired by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, and the Honourable Flor Marcelino, Manitoba Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism.

"This framework is a big step forward in the cooperative work that all of our jurisdictions are undertaking to recognize the importance and impact of culture and heritage in Canada," said Minister Marcelino. "The diverse presentations we heard today by provinces and territories demonstrate innovative leadership across the country and opportunities to continue federal, provincial and territorial development of activities that will have a real impact on Canadian arts and heritage over the next three years."

"Our Government invests in the arts, culture and heritage because we recognize their importance to our economy and the quality of life of Canadians," said Minister Moore. "We will continue to work cooperatively to create an environment that encourages partnerships that are responsive to the needs of our economy and all Canadians."

At the meeting, presentations were given about what governments are doing to grow and sustain culture and heritage; projects that strengthen heritage conservation; and how cultural engagement is encouraged and supported. These productive exchanges allowed ministers to explore possibilities for cooperation between the federal, provincial and territorial governments.

The Ministers learned of the progress that had been made regarding the Culture Satellite Account, a joint project of all jurisdictions to obtain economic data on the cultural sector.

Minister Moore and Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Michael Chan took the opportunity to inform their colleagues about the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games, which will take place in Toronto and sought their input and interest for involvement in cultural activities across the country during and leading up to the Games.

At the close of the meeting, ministers agreed to continue their discussions at the next annual meeting of culture and heritage ministers. Nunavut Minister of Culture and Heritage James Arreak officially invited the federal, provincial and territorial ministers to meet in Nunavut in 2013.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage