Support the Glenbow Museum

LOCAL 1645

Send a letter to Ralph Klein

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As an Albertan I am extremely proud of our rich heritage. Alberta's cultural industry has a demonstrated track record of preserving, protecting and presenting our province's unique history, yet many cultural organizations are struggling because of chronic provincial under-funding. I believe it is the responsibility of the government of Alberta to support our heritage industry and ensure its rich resources are accessible to all Albertans.

Take the example of the Glenbow Museum - Glenbow's collections belong to the people of Alberta. The Glenbow-Alberta Institute Act stipulates that Glenbow cares for the collections on behalf of the province. Yet, provincial funding for the care and preservation of these collections is less than half of the $5 million assessed for basic annual care in 1996. Since the budget allocation for the Alberta collection is static and not indexed for inflation, provincial funding support is constantly diminishing. It is time that your government take action to correct this situation.

It is also important to recognize that tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the province. Goal 18 of the provincial budget (see appendix A) already details the government's responsibility towards this sector. It is currently our fourth largest sector, but receives less than 1 per cent of the annual provincial budget. Tourism is a sustainable, renewable resource industry that currently employs 100,000 Albertans and it is projected to bring $4.5 billion into the economy. The Glenbow Museum is a noted destination enriching tourism for both Calgary and the entire province.  
 
As approach our centennial in Alberta, we are reminded that our history is the cornerstone of the Alberta Advantage, and what we build on for a strong future. Our heritage is too important to neglect.  I urge the government of Alberta to increase its investment in our heritage and ensure that the Alberta collection at the Glenbow Museum continues to be the rich legacy that is ours.

I urge you to do your part as an elected representative of the people of Alberta to increase the provincial government contribution to the Glenbow Museum and to Alberta culture in general. The Heritage Trust Fund currently stands at over $12 billion. Why not use it to fund Alberta's heritage?

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