Hon. Marty Klyne: Senator Gold, the RCMP Heritage Centre welcomes approximately 35,000 visitors annually from around the world. It is a destination centre committed to sharing the story of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or RCMP, by inspiring, educating and igniting interest in the RCMP’s history, and by paying tribute to its heritage and its present and future roles in policing — regionally, nationally and internationally.

This 65,000-square-foot majestic facility opened on May 23, 2007, on RCMP property adjacent to the elite RCMP training academy Depot Division in Regina, Saskatchewan, where every Mountie has been trained since 1885. The story of the RCMP is appropriately shared where every cadet is trained and their story begins.

Budget 2019 and a corresponding mandate letter envisioned that the RCMP Heritage Centre would be designated as a national museum. Such a designation could also help ensure a space for learning about Canada’s complicated truth, healing past wrongs and honouring those who served and have served.

Can you tell us which minister is responsible for this mandate, and whether the government remains committed to designating the RCMP Heritage Centre as a national museum — and, if so, when?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question, senator. My understanding is that this falls within the mandate of the Minister of Canadian Heritage. I also understand that the government invested $4.5 million in 2021 to assist with this transition.

With regard to the progress, I have been informed that the work is ongoing. It was significantly delayed, regrettably, due to the pandemic, but Canadian Heritage officials are continuing their consultations with the RCMP Heritage Centre — on an ongoing basis — on this file.

Senator Klyne: That was adequately answered. Thank you.