Canada Celebrates Canadian Museums Day on Parliament Hill

OTTAWA , Sept. 29 /CNW/ - Over 50 museum professionals from across Canada will be meeting today with members of Parliament and senators to make the case that Canada's museums require more substantial and stable federal support. The day will culminate in a reception hosted by the Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker of the Senate.

"Canadian museums are highly respected and valued by Canadians," says John McAvity, CMA executive director. "We strongly believe that the federal government has a role to play in the preservation and access of our heritage all across Canada . A new comprehensive approach is needed now more than ever."

Coordinated by the Canadian Museums Association (CMA) and the Canadian Art Museums Directors' Organization (CAMDO), Canadian Museums Day recognizes the enormous contributions that museums make to our communities and to the economy.

"Museums are one of the keystones of economically healthy communities," says Robert Labossière, executive director of CAMDO. "We need to ensure they have the means to play that leadership role, including stable, multi-year funding."

A backgrounder, including key messages and detailed recommendations are available on the CMA website: www.museums.ca

For further information: Vera Kiriloff, communications manager, Canadian Museums Association, [phone] x223, [email protected]