Ottawa Announces Jobs

10 Jul 2013

Canadian Culture Minister James Moore was at the Langley Centenntial Museum and Fort Langley National Historic Site Friday to announce the government's $12.7 million jobs program for museums through the Young Canada Works initiative.

But he couldn't escape reporters' questions about the continuing senator spending scandal and by the end of the day, was appointed the interim aboriginal affairs minister thanks to a new scandal.

Conservative MP John Duncan, the Aborginal Affairs Minister, resigned after improperly advocating to a tax court on behalf of a constituent.

The $12.7 million announcement isn't new money but Ottawa has committed to a two-year funding, instead of the normal one year commitment.

The money will be used to fund 2,500 summer and short-term jobs at museums and historic sites. The money, just over $19,000, will fund three positions at Langley Centennial Museum.

The federal government created Canada History Week, which was July 1-7.

Moore spoke at a formal announcement July 5 in the gallery of the museum, stressing the importance of preserving and interpreting Canadian heritage and history. He said it's all the more important because students are not necessarily learning history in school.

"[In] only four of 13 [provinces and territories] is it mandatory for students to take a history class to graduate," he noted. "We need to make sure students understand history.

Afterwards, Moore toured the Fort Langley National Historic Site.

With the prime minister having committed to a new round of negotiations over treaty issues and land-claims settlements, the leadership of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development is likely to take on a much higher profile in the Harper government.

Langley MP Mark Warawa was quick to laud Moore in his newest role.

"I believe he will do a great job," said Warawa. "It (aboriginal affairs) is a very important responsibility, but every job he's been given, he's shown he's more than capable. If you're looking for someone to fill a gap, James Moore is one of the first who comes to mind."

Moore was first elected in 2000 at the age of 24. Following the 2008 election, Moore, who speaks French and English, was appointed heritage and official languages minister.

In 2011, he was reelect-ed for the fifth time.

Source: http://www.langleyadvance.com/travel/Ottawa+announces+jobs/8633861/story.html