Therefore, the terms of reference of the study read as follows:
That the Committee undertake a thorough and comprehensive review of significant aspects in Canadian history including the following subjects and themes:
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A review of federal, provincial and municipal programs designed to preserve our history and heritage; and
- A focus on Canadian history including but not limited to pre-confederation, early confederation, suffrage, World War I, with an emphasis on battles such as Vimy Ridge, World War II including the Liberation of Holland, the Battle of Ortona, Battle of the Atlantic, the Korean conflict, peacekeeping missions, constitutional development, the Afghanistan conflict, early 20th century Canada, post-war Canada, and the late 20th century.
And that emphasis be placed on Canadians’ access to historical information and education, by studying the following topics:
- How Hansard can be used as a means of preserving important witness testimony and part of the permanent public record;
- The tools and methods available for Canadians to access and preserve historical content; and
- The tools and methods available to Canadians to increase their knowledge of Canadian history.
And that the Committee utilize the following information sources in order to undertake this study:
- Witnesses testimony including firsthand accounts of significant periods;
- The Committee visit relevant national museums to better understand their efforts at preserving our history and how decisions are made to display our history; and
- The Committee invite the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the National Film Board and other public ad private broadcasters to discuss their role in preserving important accounts of Canadian history that may be within their collection.
And that the report highlight best practices, new methods and potential opportunities to preserve, protect and enhance Canadians’ knowledge of our history while recommending ways of improving access to our historical collections.