In light of recent news about federal cutbacks implicating history-focused organizations, CHA president Colin Coates has sent a letter to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, the Hon. Marc Miller. The letter can be read here.
Update: On March 18, 2026, Colin Coates received the following reply from Minister Miller’s office:
Dear Mr. Coates:
I am writing in response to your correspondence of February 12, 2026, addressed to the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, regarding reductions in funding for federal organizations that promote and preserve Canadian history. Minister Miller appreciates your taking the time to write on this matter.
The Government of Canada recognizes the vital role these organizations play in preserving Canada’s documentary heritage and collections, and in providing access to knowledge about Canadian history.
Library and Archives Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Canadian War Museum operate at arm’s length from the Government and are therefore responsible for their own operational decisions, including the implementation measures outlined in Budget 2025. Moving forward, Library and Archives Canada will focus on its core mandate, prioritizing resources to strengthen its service to Canadians. At the Canadian Museum of History, the planned reductions are intended to improve efficiency and provide greater long-term flexibility in fulfilling its mandate. The Museum will continue to advance research, develop world-class exhibitions and public programming, and create innovative ways for Canadians to connect with their history.
Furthermore, I have taken the liberty of forwarding your correspondence to Ms. Leslie Weir, Librarian and Archivist of Canada, and Ms. Caroline Dromaguet, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum, so that they are aware of your comments. Should you wish to contact them directly, their contact information is provided below.
Sincerely,
Nathalie Robitaille
A/Director
Ministerial Correspondence Secretariat
Department of Canadian Heritage
Library and Archives Canada
Ms. Leslie Weir
Librarian and Archivist of Canada
550 de la Cité Boulevard
Gatineau, Quebec
J8T 0A7
Email: leslie.weir@bac-lac.gc.ca
Website: canada.ca
Canadian Museum of History
Caroline Dromaguet
President and Chief Executive Officer
100 Laurier Street
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0M8
Email: caroline.dromaguet@historymuseum.ca
Website: historymuseum.ca
Canadian War Museum
1 Vimy Place
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0M8
Telephone: 819-776-7000 or 1-800-555-5621
Email: caroline.dromaguet@historymuseum.ca
Website: warmuseum.ca