OTTAWA - The Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation (CMCC) was encouraged by the discussions with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) that resumed yesterday afternoon. After six hours of constructive exchanges, the mediator adjourned the meeting.

However, the CMCC regrets that this morning the PSAC's representatives have put an end to discussions that could have led to restarting contract negotiations between the Corporation and the union. CMCC is surprised at the union representatives' sudden decision. In the course of a day-long meeting on Wednesday, the federal mediator had succeeded in opening productive avenues for further discussion. We are very disappointed that the Public Service Alliance of Canada's representatives decided to cut that hopeful process short.

We remain available to the mediator when requested to reconvene.

The Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation operates the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Canadian War Museum and the Virtual Museum of New France. As part of their mandate, the Museums function as centres for research and public information on the social, military and human history of the country. Their principal role is to preserve and promote the heritage of Canada for present and future generations, thereby contributing to the enhancement of Canadian identity.