Interview with the Honourable Michael Chan

The Honourable Michael Chan
Minister of Tourism and Culture
Province of Ontario

PART SIX

My final question to Minister Chan made him chuckle, as he told me that he had just, the other morning, had the same discussion with “himself”. The Festival Nomad and I had been discussing if it were possible to have too many festivals and events in Ontario. We found ourselves conflicted recently by being asked to attend two different festivals in two very far away regions of Ontario! We wanted to attend both, but this was not physically possible. Minister Chan feels that this question is a challenge indeed. He feels that the key to success for everyone lies with "CO-ORDINATION”! He feels that communications and co-ordinated efforts will benefit all communities with their efforts. Mr. Michael Chan states … “that organizations need to seize efficiencies, seize opportunities to better coordinate efforts, locations and communications. He feels the whole province can be vibrant. That not one or two have just is the destination, but all of them being sustainable. The government obviously has many priorities; however it would be best to streamline efforts. We need to focus on results. Question ourselves as to “are we getting the preferred targeted expected results?” Minister Chan feels that from our diverse culture we can constantly be learning new ideas and perspectives. As Muku pointed out, our society today lives their lives as “just in time lives”. It took a moment for me to digest what Muku had said, however I feel he is right. With technology, our fast pace of life, our cultural diversities, our own interests and values … both Minister Chan and Muku are right. We need to “seize the moments”, “get out of the box”, “engage people” to Ontario, its Tourism and Culture!