Ottawa, April 3, 2008 — It was not an April Fool’s Day joke: on April 1 at 5:00 pm the engines were switched off at Exhibit Transportation Services (ETS) after serving the museum sector for over 30 years.

Many attempts were made to save ETS: through meetings with the Minister of Canadian Heritage, heritage critics, MPs, and senators, letter-writing, and media coverage, however, our voices were not heard. Even as ETS was closing a final statement was read out on Parliament Hill. Cause of death: political indifference and bureaucratic red tape.

ETS was a key service that allowed Canadians across the country to have access to their arts and heritage. Canadian art and stories were brought from major cities to regional communities. ETS helped Canadian communities connect, to get to know one another through our arts and heritage.

It is not just a trucking service that we have lost, it is the high standards and expertise in fine arts shipping and handling that took years to perfect. Canada was the envy of other countries, who thought our government understood the risks inherent in travelling exhibitions.

To all those who worked tirelessly to provide this service — managers, drivers, fine arts handlers, and co-ordinators — thank you. Your dedication and service over the years is immeasurable.

In lieu of flowers, please send your kind words and fond memories of ETS to the CMA no later than April 18 to Monique Horth at mhorth@museums.ca. We will deliver them on your behalf.

For more information:
Monique Horth
Deputy Director
Canadian Museums Association
mhorth@museums.ca
613-567-0099 x225

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