The Higgs government not only pulled $50 million in funding for a new combined New Brunswick Museum on the Saint John waterfront but didn’t consult with the museum before making the decision.
The museum’s board chair Shannon Merrifield says she and CEO Bill Hicks made continuous attempts to brief both the premier and the ministers on this project.
Shannon Merrifield, chair of the NB Museum board of directors, says they were not consulted by the new PC government about the decision to pull $50 million in funding previously committed by the former Liberal government for a new building. pic.twitter.com/t61Z8QB3SG
— Tamara Steele (@tamarasteele1) December 12, 2018
She says given the chance to speak with them they would have clarified why this investment is good for the province.
“Over 20 years of consultation has led us on this path of new facilities backed up by research and community. To not move ahead, puts the collections, staff and the future of art and culture of our province in peril.”
She says the new facilities project was not a political plan dreamed up by the previous government adding it’s been in the works for over 20 years.
“I’m certain citizens in this province recognize the need and importance of this and will tell their government.”
Shannon Merrifield, NB Museum board chair. pic.twitter.com/Ua3VEEBcyW— Tamara Steele (@tamarasteele1) December 12, 2018
The Museum’s CEO Bill Hicks says the New Brunswick Museum pre-dates confederation at 175 years old.
Hicks says both the Douglas Avenue research and collections centre and the Market Square exhibition centre have serious but different building issues that impact, staff and visitors and threaten their significant and vast collections.
Merrifield says a change.org poll will be set up for the community to share their views on this decision.
They hope the decision can be overturned.