Posted by Charles Dundas
on June 10, 2009, 10:13 am
198.166.214.5
Senator Serge Joyal brought forward a motion related to the silver baskets that Rideau Hall stupidly sent for public auction. Senator Hugh Segal, Senator Pierre Claude Nolin and Senator Jerry Grafstein (2 Liberals and 2 Conservatives) all spoke to the motion and condemned Rideau Hall. This is the first time Rideau Hall and those who administer it have every been discussed in the Senate Chamber in such a negative way. Time for there to be a house-cleaning at Rideau Hall I think, lest they continue the fire sale of our history.
Hon. Serge Joyal, pursuant to notice given May 28, 2009, moved:
That,
Whereas works of art and historical objects, including silver baskets offered as wedding gifts to the Duke of York (who later became King George V), as well as a porcelain set decorated with war scenes by the Canadian Maritime artist Alice Hagen, kept at the Governor General's residence at Rideau Hall but shelved during the last few years, have recently been sold online through the Department of Public Works;
Whereas there does not seem to be any adequate policy regarding the status and management of works of art and historic objects previously at Rideau Hall;
Whereas there is an urgent need to prevent the scattering of other such items without any regard to their historical character or the protection of Canadian heritage,
It is moved that this chamber:
.deplore that decorative items related to Canada's history, and in the past to Rideau Hall, were sold publicly without any regard to their special importance to Canadian heritage;
.express its surprise that no heritage management policy at Rideau Hall prevents such scatterings;
.demand that the contents of rooms reserved for official functions at Rideau Hall be subsequently managed by an authority at arm's length from the building's occupants in order to preserve their historical character;
.that the National Capital Commission carefully manage the art and artifacts previously in use at Rideau Hall; and
.that surplus moveable art or decorative works of art be offered first to the Canadian Museum of Civilization, Library and Archives Canada or Canadian museums recognized for their role and mandate in preserving and promoting our country's historical heritage.
He said: Honourable senators, I would like to preface my remarks this afternoon by saying that the subject I am about to discuss in no way diminishes my respect and appreciation for Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean.
Her Excellency is in no way responsible for the events described in the motion.
For the full debate click on the link and scroll down towards the bottom or sear the word "Rideau Hall"
Responses: