Culture and Heritage Ministers Discuss Provincial, Territorial and National Priorities

Culture and heritage ministers from across Canada met this week in Halifax to discuss strengthening the creative economy, supporting culture and heritage infrastructure and expanding culture and heritage promotion.

Leo Glavine, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage co-chaired the meeting with Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism Pablo Rodriguez.

“In Nova Scotia, guided by our Culture Action Plan, we are growing our creative economy, and finding ways to be more inclusive while honouring our heritage,” said Mr. Glavine. “It has been an honour to host the federal-provincial-territorial ministers and to share some of the good work happening in Nova Scotia with my colleagues from across the country.”

At the meeting, ministers agreed that creative industries play an important role in enhancing the country’s prosperity and image abroad.

Nova Scotia recognizes the value of promoting creative industries to international markets. That is why, over the last two years, the province has led two cultural trade missions to Asia and Europe and is supporting the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia’s move to a new, modern space on Halifax’s waterfront.

Ministers also discussed:

• Canada’s participation as guest of honour at the 2020 Frankfurt Book Fair
• the important role of intergovernmental collaboration to strengthen, support and modernize culture and heritage infrastructure projects
• cultural infrastructure and spaces in terms of innovation and collaboration among artists, creators, cultural entrepreneurs and industry

Ministers also met with national Indigenous organizations to discuss cultural growth and opportunities across the country. In addition, ministers had the opportunity to exchange ideas with a special guest from The Manitoba Museum who presented the internationally recognized Education Kits for Northern Communities and We Are All Treaty People, an exhibit which demonstrates the significant role and impact museums can have in supporting reconciliation.

The next ministers meeting will be held in Alberta in 2020.