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Canadian Museum of Civilization to become the Canadian Museum of History

The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, announced the Harper Government’s intention to introduce legislation creating the Canadian Museum of History, the first in a series of measures on the road to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017.
In order to achieve this, the Harper Government plans to introduce amendments to the Museums Act to change the name and mandate of the Canadian Museum of Civilization. Minister Moore made the announcement at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in the presence of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, Museum staff, eminent Canadian historians, and members of historical associations from across Canada.


Canadian Museum of Civilization. Photo: Steven Darby.

“This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017. It offers us an unprecedented opportunity to celebrate our history and those achievements that define who we are as Canadians,” said Minister Moore. “Canadians deserve a national museum of history that tells our stories and presents our country’s treasures to the world.”
The Canadian Museum of History will highlight the national achievements and accomplishments that have shaped our country, including the “Last Spike” from the construction of the Canada Pacific Railway, Maurice “Rocket” Richard’s hockey jersey and items from Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope. Through existing resources and new partnerships with museums across Canada, the Canadian Museum of History will renovate over 50,000 square feet of public space. This renovation, to be completed before Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017, will provide the public with the opportunity to appreciate how Canada’s identity has been shaped over the course of our history. – www.canadianheritage.gc.ca