OTTAWA, January 23, 2001 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today announced the establishment of the Portrait Gallery of Canada.

The Portrait Gallery will display the impressive collections of the National Archives of Canada and of other national institutions as well as public and private collections from across Canada. Canadians across the country will also have access to these collections through a virtual gallery on the Internet.

"There is no better place than here at the centre of our National Capital to create a first class showcase for the extraordinary Canadians from all walks of life, who have built and shaped our extraordinary nation," said Prime Minister Chrétien.

"The Portrait Gallery of Canada will reflect the values which link Canadians across the country," said Minister Copps. "Through the gallery, we will have an opportunity to make connections across time and history, and to experience the rich and varied heritage that all Canadians share."

"The National Archives of Canada will participate in the development of the Gallery by contributing works for exhibition from our extensive portrait holdings and by providing staff expertise and operational support," said Mr. Ian E. Wilson, National Archivist.

This new cultural institution will be associated with the National Archives of Canada and housed in the former American Embassy building at 100 Wellington Street in Ottawa. The Gallery, scheduled to open in 2004-2005, will be able to accommodate 250,000 visitors annually.

With a small addition, the Gallery will have a total 2,645m2 of space. It will have 19 galleries of varying size and will be equipped with environmentally-controlled exhibition space, a multimedia lecture room with seating capacity for 80 to 100 people as well as a coffee bar and a small boutique. The total cost of the facility will be $22 million and annual operating costs will be $4 million.