Canadian Council of Archives

Canadian Archival System

Archives Today
The Canadian Archival System: For Better Coordination
A National Council

ARCHIVES TODAY
Over the past twenty years, unprecedented growth has occurred in Canadian archives. As the number of archives has increased fivefold over this period, new challenges impel us to work together more closely. No longer can we be content to preserve historical records without prior consultation, without a clear mandate and without a realistic look at the scope and implications of our objectives.

Events such as the formation of national and regional professional associations, the publication of reports dealing specifically with archives, the conditions required for the advancement of research and the establishment of a coherent cultural policy have fostered new attitudes and approaches in the archival community.

Even the concept of "archives" has evolved in recent years to reflect changes in outlook. In essence, archives are said to represent a "tool for administrative effectiveness"; they reflect and document the agency, individual, or community that created them, they are the foundation of Canadian studies, and even more broadly, the "nation's collective memory". This broader concept implies better coordination of work and resources. The definition of "archives" is not restricted to actual records, produced or received by any individual or organization in carrying on their work. It also refers to the institution or program responsible for taking charge, arranging, describing and conserving archives and making them accessible.

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THE CANADIAN ARCHIVAL SYSTEM: FOR BETTER COORDINATION
Sharing responsibilities for conserving our documentary heritage is a fundamental principle in the establishment of the Canadian archival system. While each institution and the various levels of government must be responsible for developing and maintaining archives, professional associations must be entrusted with developing archivists.

For the Canadian archival system to function smoothly, each component in the system must also be willing to collaborate and cooperate in promoting common interests and solving common problems. On this basis, the various parts of the system complement each other by their individual interests and expertise, so as to build a network geared to promoting the development of Canadian archives.

The Canadian archival system thus comprises the National Archives of Canada, the Canadian Council of Archives (CCA), the provincial/territorial councils of archives, national and regional professional associations, the provincial/territorial archives, and other repositories from across the country.

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A NATIONAL COUNCIL
Canadian Council of Archives objectives: to further the establishment of a consensus between different points of view and the promotion of common interests.

Founded in 1985 as a result of federal-provincial efforts to encourage and facilitate the evolution of an archival system in Canada, the Canadian Council of Archives provides coordination within the system. Its tasks are to:

identify national priorities;
make recommendations as to the system's operation and financing;
develop and facilitate the implementation and management of Programmes to assist the archival community;
advise the National Archivist;
promote better communications between the various components of the Canadian system; and
communicate archival needs and concerns to decision-makers, researchers and the general public.

To carry out this mandate, the Council must naturally be representative of the various elements of the Canadian archival system. The National Archivist is an ex officio member of the Council. Each provincial/territorial council has a representative on the CCA, as does the Association des archivistes du Québec and the Association of Canadian Archivists, which are represented through the intermediary of the Bureau of Canadian Archivists. In addition to these delegates, the Council includes a number of observers, currently, representatives from the National Library, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Canadian Conservation Institute and the Bureau of Canadian Archivists. As required, the CCA may invite other observers to attend Council meetings.

The Canadian Council of Archives also derives its representative character from the creation and development of provincial/territorial networks. The activities of these networks are coordinated by provincial/territorial councils, which are represented on the Canadian Council. Archives and regional associations may thus voice their needs and expectations to the CCA. This helps the Council tailor its policies and Programmes to reflect archival needs and requirements of the regions.

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