Interview with The Honourable James Moore Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

The Honourable Minister James Moore & Best Friend

Ontario Visited ~ Judi McWilliams with
The Honourable James Moore
Minister of Canadian Heritage & Official Languages

On an unusually warm winter’s day, the Festival Nomad and I travelled to downtown Ottawa to Canada’s Parliament Hill to get “THE INSIDE SCOOP”! For this Heritage edition, we had the privilege and wonderful opportunity to meet with The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.  We were meeting with the Minister to learn more about Canada’s upcoming War of 1812 Bicentennial Celebrations and insight about the Federal Government’s involvement with regard to these Celebrations. We were also hoping to get Scoop about his thoughts on Heritage, History, and Living History.

To understand the Minister's and the Federal Government's position, it may be best stated directly from the Canadian Government’s official website … “Heritage means many things to many Canadians: our geography and built environment; our personal and collective traditions; and the physical and intangible evidence of our history. Our historic places, heritage institutions and organizations enable us to discover our diverse heritage and help us know who we are and what brings us together.

Heritage policies and programs, including the Canadian Heritage Information Network, the Virtual Museum of Canada and the Canadian Conservation Institute, promote awareness, appreciation and protection of Canada's rich and multifaceted heritage. Through our programs, policy development and research initiatives, we support a dynamic and creative community.

Our vision is one of a Canada where all Canadians can celebrate our rich cultural diversity, our shared experiences and values, and where all can gain a greater understanding and appreciation of our history, heritage, and communities. We see a Canada that invests in the future by supporting the arts, our two official languages and our athletes. A Canada that is confident in a world of choice, at the forefront of the creative economy and a leader in the digital world”.

(To Be Continued)