Minister Copps Announces the Creation of a World-Class Knowledge and Preservation Institution
OTTAWA, October 2, 2002 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today announced the creation, by the Government of Canada, of the Library and Archives of Canada, a new agency that combines the National Archives of Canada and the National Library of Canada."The Government of Canada is committed to making history, culture and Canadian voices accessible to all Canadians and to encouraging research, discovery and the sharing of knowledge. The creation of this modern, dynamic, world-class organization addresses an increased public appetite for knowledge about Canada," said Minister Copps.
The new agency announced today will strengthen the visibility, relevance and accessibility of the collections and services of both the National Archives and the National Library. The Library and Archives of Canada will be better positioned as a leading knowledge and information management organization, and it will continue to serve as the repository of federal government records.
Rapidly changing information technology and new media have so fundamentally altered the tasks of archives and libraries that the mandates of these two national institutions had begun to converge.
"The new institution," said the National Archivist Ian E. Wilson, "building on the proud traditions of the National Library and National Archives, will be a vital resource for all Canadians. Its collections will be comprehensive, documenting the full complexity and diversity of the Canadian experience. They will be available to all who may want to draw on them for the protection of their rights, for education, for cultural expression and for leisure."
The Library and Archives of Canada will bring together in one institution all forms of information that is Canadian or about Canada, much of it unique and unavailable elsewhere. In addition, it will provide leadership and support for archives and libraries across the country.
"With this decision," said Roch Carrier, National Librarian of Canada, "the Government of Canada brings together two great institutions into one powerful beacon to serve Canadians in the knowledge society of the 21st Century."
The Minister is pleased that Mr. Wilson and Mr. Carrier will facilitate the transition to the new Agency, while maintaining their substantive positions of National Archivist and National Librarian, respectively.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
[ Media Room ]
