1. Introduction and Context

1.1 Authority for the Audit

The authority for this audit is derived from the 2008-09 Risk-Based Multi-Year Audit Plan which was approved by the Deputy Minister and by the Departmental Audit Committee in June 2008.

1.2 Background

The Heritage Policy and Programs Branch (HPPB) is part of the Citizenship and Heritage Sector and it is responsible for managing the following programs:

  1. The Museum Assistance Program (MAP);
  2. The Movable Cultural Property;
  3. The Heritage component of the Canadian Arts and Sustainability program; and
  4. Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations.

The MAP's primary objectives are to foster Canadians' access to human, natural, artistic, and scientific heritage, and to enhance awareness, understanding and appreciation of this diverse heritage. Increased emphasis is placed on:

  • Facilitating Canadians' access to their heritage;
  • Ensuring the preservation, management and presentation of Aboriginal cultural heritage; and
  • Strengthening professional standards and enhancing competencies in the management of key museological functions.

The MAP supports the creation of increased opportunities for Canadians to access, experience, appreciate and enjoy collections and stories from a wide variety of heritage organizations across the country. The Program aims to preserve and present Canada's diverse and rich heritage by providing funding to museums and related institutions for activities which support these objectives. The program achieves these objectives by providing financial assistance of approximately $6.8 million dollars a year in grants and contributions to museums for activities which fall under the following six programming elements:

  • Access to Heritage: for traveling exhibitions projects;
  • Exhibition Circulation Fund: for the hosting of out of province travelling exhibitions;
  • Aboriginal Heritage: for projects related to the preservation and presentation of Aboriginal heritage;
  • Organizational development: for projects to strengthen the management of key museological functions and related competencies;
  • Canada-France Agreement: for joint projects between French and Canadian heritage organizations to create and enhance competencies of museum professional; and
  • Canadian Museums Association Support: funding will assist the CMA in four activity areas: Membership Services, Communications, Policy Development and Professional Development, which includes the Bursary Program delivered on behalf of the Department to eligible individuals in the Canadian museum community to enable them to undertake professional development in museum studies or in related areas of specialization.

The program, including Young Canada Works, has a budget of $622,600 in operations and management.

The MAP's operation and delivery are decentralized. The program operates through the combined efforts of HPPB, regional and district offices, and central services at headquarters.

The program was renewed for the period 2005-2006 to 2009-2010. The program is scheduled for an evaluation in March 2009.

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