Unit 3
Heritage for the People? The Role of the State

Unit 3 is an overview of the federal level of heritage policy and practice, focusing primarily on the built heritage sector. Details of organizational networks and administration, as well as of various policy documents and legislation, can be found on government websites. This unit will concentrate on gaining a sense of the wide scope of federal government involvement in heritage.

Learning Objectives

Upon completing this unit, you should be able to:

1. Describe the scope of government departments and agencies involved in heritage preservation.
2. Explain where heritage policy fits into broader government cultural policy mechanisms.
3. List non-governmental organizations and explain their relationship to the state.
4. Cite the central objectives and mandate themes of government bodies in the main areas of heritage administration.
5. Describe some of the key government programs and services for heritage.
6. Explain the significance of Canada’s Historic Places Initiative.