National museum opens at Pier 21
Posted Feb 7, 2011 11:51:39 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Born Canadians, landed immigrants and new citizens celebrated the inauguration of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Monday morning.
Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay remarked it was a special moment as this is Canada’s sixth national museum.
“This is – although it may be disputed – the only existing national museum outside the nation’s capital. There will be others, and there will be others soon, but this is the only one that is open and ready to receive visitors,” said MacKay to a jubilant crowd.
Pier 21 boasts that one million people passed through its doors between its official opening in March 1928 and 1971. It’s described as the front door for immigrants, refugees, troops, wartime evacuees, war brides and their children, in a media release.
“I’m proud to say it’s also the location where more than one half million Canadian’s left our shores and departed to fight for freedom during the Second World War,” said MacKay. “Some of those vary immigrants who came here, some returned on those ships to liberate countries they had left.”
The ceremony was also used to mark he success of the Pier’s employment and integration program for immigrants, Welcome Home to Canada
Iranian graphic designer Azam Chadeganipour finished a six-month work placement before being hired on by the museum.
“When you’re new here and you want to find a job they need you to work with Canadian culture, so this is a good opportunity for newcomers,” said Chadenganipour.
The Harper government has announced plans to invest up to $24.9 million over the next fie years to upgrade the premises and to develop exhibitions and programming at the museum. It’s current operating budget is projected to be $7.7 million.
