ADVOCACY FLASH

an e-mail message from Lois Yorke,
President, Association of Canadian Archivists

Archivists, records managers, information management specialists--and all those interested in Canada's cultural heritage: don't let the next National Archivist be appointed without the involvement of the professional community. Voice your concerns now about the selection process!!

Since the retirement of Jean-Pierre Wallot in June 1997, little has been heard from the Federal Government regarding the appointment of a new National Archivist. The Association of Canadian Archivists and the Association des archivistes du Quebec have recently joined forces over the issue. A letter was sent to the Honourable Sheila Copps, Minster of Canadian Heritage, expressing the concern of both of the national organizations that the professional community be included in any selection process which may be undertaken to fill this position.

The professional organizations--following the recent successful example of the Society of American Archivists--want to be accorded official representation, in a consultative capacity, in any formal process which may occur. Accordingly, and in separate letters to Ms. Copps, both the ACA and the AAQ have requested that a representative from the Bureau of Canadian Archivists (the corporate body providing formal linkage between the two national organizations) be invited to participate in this process.

Please consider this an invitation to any interested individuals, archives or archival organizations--indeed, anyone involved in the broader information management or cultural heritage communities--to support our campaign for standing in the selection process. The impending appointment will likely come from one of the following offices:

The Honourable Sheila Copps
Minister of Canadian Heritage
15 Eddy Street, 12th Floor
Hull, Quebec
K1A 0M5

Penelope Collenette
Director, Appointments
Prime Minister's Office
Langevin Block
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A2

Jocelyne Bourgon
Clerk of the Privy Council
Office of the Privy Council
Langevin Block
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A3

Letters sent to these individuals, advocating representation from the Bureau of Canadian Archivists in a consultative capacity, would be most welcome. Please send us a copy so that we may know of your interest and keep you informed of developments. Our address is:

Association of Canadian Archivists
P.O. Box 2596
Station D
Ottawa, ON
K1P 5W6
e-mail: ltardif@magmacom.com