Creative Economy, Indigenous Culture, the 150th anniversary of Confederation and Historic Places Are at the Heart of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Collaboration

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - July 6, 2016) - Federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for culture and heritage met face to face today during an annual meeting to discuss their priorities, exchange ideas and strengthen relationships.

Following the meeting, which was co-hosted by the Government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada, ministers committed to:

• Continue to make efforts to stimulate the creative economy. Governments, with the support of various partners, will undertake feasibility studies to further expand Canada's Culture Satellite Account. The goal is to provide a broader and richer source of data for key stakeholders, and Canadians in general, about the value and importance of culture in Canada's economy. Ministers also wish to raise more awareness of the importance of viable cultural infrastructure as a way to stimulate our creativity, improve our quality of life and have tangible impacts on our economy.
• Reflect on the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and significant action that could be taken in this regard. All governments shared their plans to explore how culture can help pave the way to reconciliation and strengthen relationships with Indigenous peoples.
• Celebrate Canada's 150^th anniversary of Confederation. All governments will continue to work collaboratively on preparing for this important milestone. 2017 will be a year-long pan-Canadian event highlighting our culture and heritage, creating opportunities to come together, and generating economic benefits for our communities.
• Continue to support the conservation and protection of historic places in Canada. Ministers will strengthen their ongoing collaboration to ensure these witnesses of the past remain important aspects for the development of the modern, prosperous and creative Canada of tomorrow.

British Columbia closed the meeting by passing the torch to Quebec, which will host the 2017 ministerial conference.

Quick Facts

• Arts, culture and heritage represent $54.6 billion in the Canadian economy and more than 630,000 jobs.

• The Culture Satellite Account is a statistical framework created to better measure the economic importance of culture, arts, heritage and sport in the Canadian economy.

• The Culture Satellite Account expansion feasibility studies represent a combined annual investment of close to $250,000 from the Government of Canada, all provinces and territories. The objective is to develop more in-depth data on culture trade, culture tourism, digital products, volunteerism and heritage conservation, as well as an economic impact model.

• In June 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released its findings and 94 Calls to Action aimed at redressing the legacy of residential schools and fostering reconciliation in Canada.

• The Canada 150 Fund has an overall budget of $210 million. Through the Fund, the Government of Canada will continue to make strategic investments in activities that support the vision of Canada's 150^th anniversary of Confederation and encourage Canadians to participate directly. All provinces and territories are also participating in the celebration of the 150^th anniversary of Confederation.

• In Canada, there are more than 12,000 historic sites listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places, representing thousands of years of history and the building of our country.

Quotes from Co-Chairing Ministers

"British Columbia is honoured to co-host this meaningful meeting between the provinces and territories and the federal government. Collectively, we join with all Canadians to celebrate the fact that all of our provinces and territories have a rich and diverse culture, including all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Arts and culture are at the heart of the creative economy, one of the most rapidly growing sectors in the world. People working in the creative sector help to drive the economy and contribute to healthy and vibrant communities."

-The Honorable Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development for British Columbia

"Working together to promote the value of culture and heritage is key to making our country stronger. Canada's upcoming 150^th anniversary of Confederation is an important moment in our history, a great opportunity to unite in our diversity and show our country at its best. Our collaborations will contribute to a richer, more creative tomorrow and provide lasting legacies for future generations."

-The Honorable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

Associated Links

Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat

Culture Satellite Account

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

Canada 150

Canadian Register of Historic Places (Parks Canada)

Stay Connected

Follow the Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat on Twitter.

Follow Canadian Heritage on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Flickr.