- In March 2022 an ATIP request was made for files dating from 1945 to 1953 classified as Government of Canada archival records. As of 31 March, four years later, it was one of 2,186 records so classified which were late. While the backlog of requests for Records of former Canadian Armed Forces members and former public servants saw a substantial decrease in the year, that for Government of Canada archival records has barely moved. Does the Federal Government believe that is acceptable performance? Is the problem a deficiency in management of the program, a lack of resources, a mix, or something else? In either case, it’s the responsibility of the Carney government to address delays that make a mockery of the legislation.
- Last week, in a post that got substantial attention, I reported that “An order for publications (directories) I placed on 24 July was “Not ready for pick up” 11 days later.” It turns out the problem was a deficiency in reporting through the online system. A piece of paper had been left in the “R” shelf at LAC informing that the years requested are not in the collection. Are we expected to hang around 395 Wellington waiting for a piece of paper to appear? If there’s an online system to communicate to clients about the status of orders, why not use it for prompt notification?
- Maps are documentary heritage. Once upon a time, LAC had a map collection. It probably still does, but it’s so neglected as to be practically invisible. There isn’t even an entry for Maps in LAC’s A to Z research guides and tools facility. It’s not as if the research guides are being neglected. 2SLGBTQIA+ related resources research guide was recently added.
- It’s not just LAC. Cuts are being made to heritage-memory institutions at the local and provincial levels as well as federal. A grassroots group of archivists, historians, genealogists, museums, and gallery workers is formed — the Canadian Cultural Heritage Advocacy Committee . If you’re concerned, sign up at the website for their email newsletter.
- There’s an addition to the LAC Collection at the Internet Archive Canada, an 8-page poem “Lines on the massacre of Oszmiana”? Should there be a CanCon requirement?
Yes, it is extremely depressing, John. My gr uncle spent his working life in the maps dept of the LAC, so i know it existed. I’ve had my share of “wrangles” trying to get information from the archives, sometimes it took 4 years.
And yet!! There is going to be a big beautiful building, with large open and airy spaces for events. Whatever happened to dusty old archives filled with treasure morsels of information that were ours to find? And if we did not look, they would die there forever? Sometimes it takes just one person to find the material. I am also deeply concerned about the selective information that is made available to the public. It’s all so close to “1984”.
CONTINUE TO PUSH YOUR NARRATIVE, JOHN …………