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Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Science
- Cision Canada
Government of Canada to build new national Cultural Heritage Science facility to protect Canada's heritage
New facility will preserve cultural heritage and advance reconciliation through collaborative science GATINEAU, QC, Aug. 14, 2025 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is taking a major step forward to protect the stories and objects that reflect the many histories, cultures and identities that shape who we are as Canadians and that make our country stronger. The new Cultural Heritage Science (CHS) facility will provide a space where conservation experts can collaborate to protect and preserve Canada's most treasured cultural artifacts and our heritage for generations to come. Today, the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, together with the Honourable Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament for Hull—Aylmer, announced the site for the new CHS facility. From Franklin expedition relics to iconic artifacts like Maurice "Rocket" Richard's hockey sweater, works by Norval Morrisseau, and a test rocket from the Avro Arrow program, the CHS helps preserve Canada's stories, connecting science with history to protect our Canadian heritage. Located on vacant federal land at 51 Sacré-Coeur Boulevard in Gatineau, Quebec, directly behind the historic National Printing Bureau, the 18,000-square-metre facility will integrate purpose-built laboratories, workshops, offices and specialized technologies designed to meet the complex needs of heritage science, including field investigations, scientific analysis and the preservation of culturally significant objects. Once complete, the facility will position Canada as a leader in heritage science and bring together approximately 170 employees, including scientists and experts in heritage conservation from Parks Canada, the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI), and the Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN). This project will further partnerships with Indigenous Peoples by prioritizing community needs and values. CHS supports Indigenous communities in caring for their cultural objects and in embedding Indigenous knowledge systems with conservation research and practices. The facility's site selection was guided by dialogue with the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation and supported by the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council. The project aims to create long-term Indigenous economic inclusion opportunities. Advice and guidance from Indigenous Peoples are being thoughtfully woven into early planning and decision making to help guide the future creation of culturally safe spaces for reflection and ceremony. This investment is part of Canada's broader commitment to modernizing federal science infrastructure through the Laboratories Canada strategy. Quotes "Canada has a rich heritage and multilayered history that unites us all. The construction of the Cultural Heritage Science facility in Gatineau, Quebec, demonstrates the Government of Canada's strong commitment to preserving that heritage for future generations. Through this investment, we are modernizing our conservation infrastructure, supporting cutting-edge research, and reaffirming the essential role of federal science in promoting national unity, advancing reconciliation and celebrating what makes Canada unique." The Honourable Joël Lightbound Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement "Through the work of Canadian Heritage and Parks Canada, our government is committed to protecting Canadian culture and identity. Now, more than ever, Canadians understand the importance of preserving and sharing our heritage. Art, stories and history are central to the Canadian experience, and it is through these touchstones that we unify as Canadians across this vast country. This Cultural Heritage Science facility will not only contribute to the advancement of cultural heritage science but also help us better understand our country's rich cultural history through research on some of our most precious artifacts." The Honourable Steven Guilbeault Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, Parks Canada and Quebec Lieutenant "Like footsteps in the snow, every generation has left a trace, shaping this land into the greatest country on earth. Today, we are taking their lead with the construction of a brand-new Cultural Heritage Science Hub right here in Hull–Aylmer. This bold investment will give our experts the tools to protect, celebrate and share our heritage for generations to come. A strong nation knows where it comes from. This is why we are building our future by honouring our past — together, we are building a stronger Canada." The Honourable Greg Fergus Member of Parliament for Hull—Aylmer Quick facts Laboratories Canada is a long-term strategy that is modernizing science infrastructure, with a $3.7-billion investment to support federal science priorities and transform the way federal science works. The strategy includes the development of science hubs across the country. These hubs will bring together science-based departments and agencies to collaborate in modern, sustainable and accessible laboratories enabled by modern digital information technology. The new CHS facility will support the internationally recognized heritage conservation functions of Parks Canada, CCI and CHIN. CCI and CHIN are both specialized operating agencies of Canadian Heritage. Staff will be relocated from 2 outdated facilities within the National Capital Area. The CHS hub science priorities include to: preserve cultural heritage for future generations facilitate access to collections of artifacts and historic objects, including art, cultural objects and natural history specimens identify and address emerging risks to cultural heritage Procurement planning is underway for the CHS facility with a request for proposal expected to be released to qualified proponents in fall 2025 and final selection in fall 2026. Timelines for construction will be determined in consultation with the final contract awardee. Associated links Laboratories Canada Follow us on X (Twitter) Follow us on Facebook
Toronto Star
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Star
Parliament's new speaker says Canada must be ‘Athens' to America's ‘Rome'
OTTAWA — Members of the House of Commons chose veteran Montreal-area MP Francis Scarpaleggia as their new speaker on Monday, rejecting his predecessor Greg Fergus amidst appeals for a more respectful tone and allusions to ancient Greece in the opening act of Canada's new minority Parliament. First elected in 2004, the 67-year-old MP thanked the chamber for the honour of choosing him to oversee proceedings in the 45th Parliament. Having argued in his speech before the Speaker's vote that Canada must set an example as a strong democracy in a tumultuous world, Scarpaleggia was elected Speaker of the House of Commons with a new Liberal minority government elected on April 28.
CBC
26-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Charlottetown MP Sean Casey loses 2nd bid to become Speaker of the House of Commons
Charlottetown MP Sean Casey once again came up short in his bid to become Speaker of the House of Commons, as MPs elected Quebec Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia to the role on Monday. The election was held on the first day back in the House for newly elected and returning members of Parliament following a five-month hiatus and the April 28 general election. The first order of business was to select a new Speaker, so that the person could be in place before King Charles delivers the throne speech. Scarpaleggia, who represents the riding of Lac-Saint-Louis in Quebec, was chosen by his peers through a secret ranked ballot. The Speaker oversees proceedings in the House of Commons, ensures order during debates, and serves as a neutral figure in Parliament. Eight MPs were initially in the running for the job, but before the vote on Monday, the list had narrowed to six after two Conservative MPs withdrew their names. Casey, a long-serving MP for Charlottetown, was among those still seeking the position. He had previously made a bid for the role in 2023, following the resignation of former Speaker Anthony Rota. At that time, MPs elected Liberal MP Greg Fergus, who was again among the list of candidates this time. In his address to the House on Monday before the vote, Casey said his background in law would be a good preparation for the job, and told MPs he was motivated by a desire to change the tone in the House. "We owe Canadians a genuine effort to raise the bar in how we treat each other. A new session with so many new faces offers a fresh start and a real chance to lead by example," he said. The Speaker's position comes with a salary top-up of nearly $100,000, an official residence in a rural area of Quebec, and an apartment and office within Parliament's Centre Block building.
Global News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Canada's MPs gather to vote on next speaker as Parliament returns
Newly elected MPs will vote by secret ballot when Parliament returns today to decide who will become the next Speaker of the House of Commons. The last Speaker, Liberal MP Greg Fergus, is seeking to win the role back — although he faced criticism in the last Parliament of being overly partisan. He will face off against half a dozen contenders, including former deputy Speaker and Conservative MP Chris d'Entremont as well as former deputy government House leader and Liberal MP Sherry Romanado. 1:59 Make Canadian economy top priority, western businesses tell PM Green Party Leader Elizabeth May was also eyeing the job, but she backed out of the running since she is the only Green MP in Parliament and the non-partisan Speaker position would limit what she can weigh in on. Story continues below advertisement The Speaker plays an important role in keeping the Legislature functioning smoothly — especially in minority parliaments like this one, which can quickly become raucous and upend the government's agenda. The job also comes with a diplomatic component and some significant perks — including a $309,000 annual salary, a driver, a sizable hospitality budget and an official residence on a rustic country estate in Gatineau Park.
CTV News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
MPs to select new House of Commons speaker in secret vote today
members of Parliament cast their ballots for a new Speaker in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick OTTAWA — Newly elected MPs will vote by secret ballot when Parliament returns today to decide who will become the next Speaker of the House of Commons. The last Speaker, Liberal MP Greg Fergus, is seeking to win the role back — although he faced criticism in the last Parliament of being overly partisan. He will face off against half a dozen contenders, including former deputy Speaker and Conservative MP Chris d'Entremont as well as former deputy government House leader and Liberal MP Sherry Romanado. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May was also eyeing the job, but she backed out of the running since she is the only Green MP in Parliament and the non-partisan Speaker position would limit what she can weigh in on. The Speaker plays an important role in keeping the Legislature functioning smoothly — especially in minority parliaments like this one, which can quickly become raucous and upend the government's agenda. The job also comes with a diplomatic component and some significant perks — including a $309,000 annual salary, a driver, a sizable hospitality budget and an official residence on a rustic country estate in Gatineau Park. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 26, 2025. The Canadian Press
