OTTAWA, Ontario, January 7, 2015 — The Canadian Museums Association (CMA) is very proud to announce that John G. McAvity, Executive Director and CEO of the CMA was appointed to the Order of Canada by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, for his contributions to preserving Canada’s cultural heritage. John has been the Executive Director of the CMA since 1981. He steered the association through the continued cycle of repression in the Canadian museum landscape of the 90s and advocated at the federal level for new funding and landmark legislation. He worked with the Department of Canadian Heritage to initiate new programs such as Young Canada Works in Heritage Institutions. Under his outstanding leadership, the CMA has grown into a strong and effective voice for Canadian museums. “I accept this honour on behalf of all museums and heritage institutions in Canada,” said John. “To be recognized for something I love to do is such a wonderful honour. I love museums and have been working to make them relevant to local communities and the nation.” John has also enhanced Canada’s stature abroad through his work with organizations such as the International Council of Museums (ICOM). As the Chair of ICOM’s Standing Committee on Legal Affairs for the past 7 years, he helped implement a new mediation program for cultural property disputes and a study on copyright issues conducted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). “We are excited by the news that John has been appointed to the Order of Canada,” said Nancy Noble, President of the CMA Board of Directors. “He is well deserving of this honour and we congratulate him for his deep passion and commitment to the museum sector throughout the years,” she added. A proud Saint John, NB native, John was previously the Executive Director of the Ontario Museum Association, and museums advisor for the province of New Brunswick. In addition to being a life member of Heritage Canada – The National Trust, he plays an active role on the board of the Association of Cultural Executives, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, the Canadian Society of Copyright Consumers, and the Canadian Society of Association Executives. The CMA and other actors in the museum sector of Canada are proud of John’s dedicated service and the recognition that this prestigious honour brings to our community. -30- About the Order of Canada Established in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. It is one of our country’s highest civilian honours. For more information, visit gg.ca/honours
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 23:37:34 +0000
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