Cultural Heritage Deserves Investment that Matches its Value
Mixed News for Saskatchewan Cultural Heritage Sector in Federal Budget
Museums, historic sites, and cultural experiences are key contributors to quality of life. They bolster the provincial economy, support tourism, and foster belonging, meaning, and identity for all those who call Saskatchewan home. Cultural heritage deserves investment that matches its value.
First, the good: The budget affirms that “the government is committed to protecting what makes Canada unique and brings Canadians together through continued investments in our natural and cultural heritage.” The allocation of $21 million to the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage Program, to support festivals, community anniversaries, and community-initiated capital projects, appears a positive sign.
Further, the continuation of the Canada Strong Pass, which enables free or discounted access to museums, galleries, national parks, and rail travel, is made possible through an allocation of $116.3 million over a two-year period. The budget also makes a commitment to infrastructural investment in the RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina, though the exact details are not yet delineated.
However, it would be useful to back these programs and investments with more robust funding opportunities, particularly for heritage conservation and museums.
While some capital support is available through the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage Program, the $21 million allocated to be shared nationally across local festivals, community anniversaries, and capital projects, is unfortunately rather paltry. At a time when many Saskatchewan sites of both community and national significance are deteriorating, this level of funding offers insufficient relief. Moreover, numerous community museums continue to face difficult financial circumstances, yet this budget provides them with little meaningful support.
Overall, the 2025 budget offers mixed news for the cultural heritage sector. Positively, culture and heritage remain part of the national strategy, though supports could stand to be far more robust. We cannot celebrate our cultural heritage while letting it crumble.
We look forward to making this case to members of government in the coming months.
Heritage Saskatchewan
Museums Association of Saskatchewan
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