Bill C-8 Creating the Library and Archives of Canada Receives Royal Assent
OTTAWA, April 23 2004 -- The Minister of Canadian Heritage, the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, today announced that Bill C-8 has received Royal Assent. The Bill creates the Library and Archives of Canada, combining the National Archives of Canada and the National Library of Canada into one entity.In addition to modernizing and harmonizing the existing functions and powers of the National Library of Canada and the National Archives of Canada, the new Library and Archives Canada will have an enhanced mandate to make known the documentary heritage of Canada.
"With the passage of Bill C-8 a single, modern, knowledge institution will be created," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer." I believe it will provide all Canadians as well as those interested in Canada with access to our vast and rich documentary heritage."
The new Library and Archives of Canada brings together documents chronicling our democratic history, records of everyday life in Canada as well as the most extensive collection of Canadian publications in the world. More than twenty million items, in formats ranging from trade publications, government documents and newspapers to education kits, sound recordings, rare books, children's books and illustrations, sheet music to doctoral and masters theses are part of the collection.
The appointment of the new Librarian and Archivist and the coming-into-force of the legislation will occur at a later date.
Information:
Mylène Dupéré
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
[ Media Room ]
