Editorials

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Canadians support museum

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 02/3/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

It will probably be the end of March and the start of the new fiscal year before Canadians learn if the Harper government will do the right thing and increase its financial support for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. If the answer is no, then the future of the landmark at The Forks in Winnipeg could be in limbo for many years to come, despite the museum's tentative pledge to open in 2014, a year later than originally planned.

If the Conservatives are wondering which way the wind is blowing, they should examine a poll conducted for Sun Media and OMI Agency, apparently in a failed effort to discredit the museum. The poll shows a majority of Canadians (56 per cent) support the project. Only 11 per cent were opposed.

And incredibly, 15 per cent of Canadians said they would make a special trip to Winnipeg to visit the museum. That's potentially millions of people who feel strongly enough about human rights, they would get in their cars or hop on an airplane for a pilgrimage to the centre of the country.

The respondents were also asked what they would choose -- a Jets game or a visit to the museum -- if they were in Winnipeg. Some 54 per cent picked the hockey game, while 46 per cent preferred the museum. Nearly 65 per cent of women would go to the museum.

Liberals and New Democrats were more likely to support the museum than Conservatives, but hopefully such crass political considerations are not behind the cold shoulder Prime Minister Stephen Harper has of late given the museum, a Crown corporation that he has a duty to open in a timely manner.

The museum's new budget of $351 million (not including $6.5 million for a postponed theatre and temporary gallery) is short about $60 million, which private fundraisers will try to raise on top of the $130 million they collected so far. But unless the new chairman of the museum's board, Calgary accountant Eric Hughes, a close friend of Mr. Harper's, can tap into Alberta's oil wealth, it could be five or six years before the money is in the bank. The delay will just raise the costs even higher and create havoc with the museum's ability to hire or hold staff.

Four provinces -- Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia -- are directly funding the museum, while others are considering it. Like Canadians in general, they understand the power of human rights as a national symbol and the value the museum will provide in educating young people. It's your turn, Mr. Harper.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 3, 2012 A10

(You must be logged in to post your reaction)

Your reaction?

More Editorials

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010; View the changes. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.