Michael Chong, Member of Parliament for Wellington-Halton Hills, was elected Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage today. Chong was nominated by fellow Conservative, Dean Del Mastro and his nomination received the unanimous consent of the other members of the committee.
“Committees are where much of the work of Parliament takes place. It’s an honour to be entrusted with the responsibility to chair this committee,” said Chong, who added, “I’m looking forward to working with all members and parties to ensure the proper functioning of this committee.”
Chong’s election to Chair of Canadian Heritage will end his role as Chair of the Industry Committee. “I want to thank Industry Committee members for their confidence over the last two years. We accomplished much, holding hearings on the auto sector in the spring of 2008, hearings on the census this past summer, and passing anti-spam and not-for-profit legislation.”
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage was created in 1994 and provides oversight over the activities and spending of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The Department of Canadian Heritage is responsible for national policies and programs that promote Canadian content, foster cultural participation, active citizenship and participation in Canada’s civic life, and strengthen connections among Canadians. As well, the Committee studies and reports on matters related to public broadcasting, Canadian history and heritage, amateur Sports, and the audio, visual and literary arts.
“Thirteen years ago, I co-founded the Dominion Institute (now the Historica-Dominion Institute), an organization committed to raising awareness about Canadian history and civics,” said Chong. He added, “So, I’m happy to chair this committee, to promote Canada’s arts and heritage, which touch the lives of so many Canadians.”
The committee has oversight over public broadcasting, Canadian history and heritage, amateur Sports, and the audio, visual and literary arts.
