Introduction:

The Canadian Foundation for the Preservation of Chinese Cultural and Historical Treasures (the "Foundation") is a national charitable organization registered in Canada since July 1993. Its objective is to promote the desire of Canadians in the education, preservation and appreciation of Chinese cultural and historical treasures.

The Foundation was started after a trip to China in 1992. One was awed by the sight of ancient relics, carvings, pottery, sculptures, wall murals, utensils of intricate design, music and sports instruments. The treasures not only reflected the ingenuity and creativity of mankind; they also marked mankind's achievement in history and in culture. They are treasures of all mankind. The preservation of this heritage is for all peoples of the world and for the children of our children. Henceforth, the Foundation was born. As a charitable non-profit community organization, the Foundation is national in scope and open to international cooperation.

Her Excellency,the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D., Governor General of Canada, and the Vice Chair of The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, Mr. Wang Guangying, are Co-Patrons of the Foundation. Founding Co-Chairs are Dr. Nelly Ng and Honourable Martin O'Connell. The Foundation's Board of Directors and Executive Committee members are from a broad spectrum including corporate executives, representatives from the arts, museums, academic institutes, as well as community representatives.

Foundation programs include educational exchange, publications and direct preservation efforts. The educational exchange program aims to nurture preservation specialists. Mid career Canadian and Chinese specialists are chosen as candidates to work and solve problems side by side with each other in leading museums in Canada and China. For publications, two formats are chosen; scholarly publications for professionals and scholars in the field and a series of popular articles on preservation and restoration of ancient treasures. Direct preservation efforts take the form of providing Canadian advanced technologies in preservation and assistance in the acquisition of appropriate preservation instrumentation.

The China Canada Exhibition Hall showcases treasures thus preserved. This hall located in the National Museum of Chinese History, Beijing, China opened in December, 1996. Founding Patrons for this Hall include: GE Canada, Sing Tao (Canada) Foundation, Dr. Sally Aw Sian, The Canadian Foundation for the Preservation of Chinese Cultural and Historical Treasures (Hong Kong), Dr. T.T. Tsui, Mr. Gordon Chow.

The Foundation enjoys endorsement and support from the Canadian government and broad-spectrum communities and corporations.