Minister Miller announces the extension of Michele McKenzie's appointment as interim Director of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Michele McKenzie has been reappointed as interim Director of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 for an additional period of up to two years

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 22, 2026 /CNW/ -- Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, announced the extension of the appointment of Michele McKenzie as interim Director of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 for an additional period of up to two years.

An internationally recognized sustainable tourism strategy expert and experienced public-sector leader, Michele McKenzie has worked across Canada and internationally, developing sustainable tourism strategies and advising governments, economic development agencies and businesses on innovation and changing operating environments, while bringing extensive governance and board experience with organizations including Invest in Canada, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority and Parks Canada.

Michele McKenzie previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Tourism Commission (Destination Canada) and as Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage for Nova Scotia. In 2020, she received the Tourism Industry Association of Canada's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Michele McKenzie has served as interim Director of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier since December 2025.

Quotes

""I'm pleased that Michele McKenzie's extensive leadership will continue to support the Museum's work in sharing Canada's immigration story, honouring newcomers' experiences and fostering connection, understanding and belonging."

--The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages

Quick Facts

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax is Canada's sixth national museum, the second to be established outside the National Capital Region and the only one dedicated to sharing the country's immigration story.

Located at the Pier 21 National Historic Site in Halifax, the Museum stands where nearly 1 million immigrants arrived in Canada from 1928 to 1971. For generations of newcomers, Pier 21 marked the beginning of a new chapter and the start of their Canadian journey.

The purpose of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is to explore the theme of immigration to Canada in order to enhance public understanding of the experiences of immigrants as they arrived in Canada; the vital role immigration has played in the building of Canada; and the contributions of immigrants to Canada's culture, economy and way of life.

National museums are governed by the Museums Act. Under the Act, the Director is appointed by the Minister of Canadian Heritage, with the approval of the Governor in Council.

Appointment opportunities for the organizations in the Canadian Heritage Portfolio are posted as they become available on the Governor in Council appointments website. People who are interested can apply online.

Associated Link

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

SOURCE Canadian Heritage

Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Hermine Landry, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, [email protected]