Minister Vanclief Announces
Central Experimental Farm Advisory Council

OTTAWA, July 14, 1999 -- Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lyle Vanclief today announced the establishment of the Central Experimental Farm (CEF) Advisory Council to ensure public participation in the management of this national historic site located in Ottawa.

The Advisory Council will consist of 11 members delegated by councils, associations and committees representing a broad spectrum of local and national interests. These members will solicit opinions and advice from the organizations they represent and provide advice and recommendations to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) on the future of the CEF.

"The creation of the Advisory Council is another example of the importance the Government of Canada gives to the Central Experimental Farm,"Minister Vanclief said. "It will ensure the decisions taken on the management of the CEF in the coming years reflect the aspirations of major stakeholders and through them the public at large."

The Council will provide public input in the management of this heritage site in accordance with the principles contained in the Commemorative Integrity Statement. This statement, developed by Parks Canada and AAFC, establishes the basis for managing the heritage values of the site. In doing so, the Council may provide advice in the management of lands currently not used by the department in carrying out its mission.

A representative of AAFC and a representative of the Museum of Science and Technology, which maintains an Canada Agricultural Museum on the farm, will attend the council's meetings. An AAFC representative will also act as a secretary at all council meetings.

This announcement follows the department's public consultations in February 1998 on the future of the CEF. At that time, the department gathered the opinions of some 1,400 individuals and organizations.