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OTTAWA, May 26, 2003 - Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced the creation of the Canada History Centre. This new institution will be committed to providing access to our political and civic history highlighting the important roles played by Aboriginal peoples, settlers and later immigrants who arrived to help make Canada the dynamic, democratic country it is today.

"Our political history is a rich one that needs to be told," said Prime Minister Chrétien. "The Canada of today was determined by the will of its people and by the vision of the leaders they chose to represent them. The Canada History Centre, through technological innovation, will be an interactive meeting place where the voices of Canadians from all walks of life who created this country will be heard."

The Canada History Centre will be located in Ottawa's Government Conference Centre, the former Union Train Station and site of many constitutional discussions. The role of this institution will be to increase accessibility of all Canadians to their history. To this end, the Centre will organize travelling exhibitions across Canada and, through modern technologies, will reach people from coast to coast to coast.

"The Canada History Centre will focus on those who have contributed to the building of Canada and the flourishing of our democracy. It will become a showcase for achievements by Canadians. It will be a place to celebrate the important events in Canadian history," said Minister Copps. "Canadians want to know more about our country and our history. Today, through the creation of this Centre, the Government of Canada is taking a decisive step to respond to this need."

The Canada History Centre will have much more than a physical presence in the nation's capital. Multimedia and interactive components of the Centre will be accessible to Canadians from all regions of the country, and will encourage them to learn about and share Canada's history.

The Canada History Centre will rely on the resources of the Library and Archives of Canada, as well as museums and other cultural organizations to provide materials for its exhibits.

The Government of Canada will provide funding of approximately $50 million over five years towards the development of the museum components of the Canada History Centre.

Funding for the project was provided for in the February 2003 federal budget.

Information:

Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788

(This news release is available on the Internet at http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.)