Despite going through the proper channels, Vision Vancouver councillor Heather Deal is still waiting for a meeting with the B.C. Liberal minister overseeing huge provincial cuts to arts programs.

According to Deal, who sits on Metro Vancouver’s regional culture committee—the hat she is wearing in this case—Tourism, Culture and Arts Minister Kevin Krueger hasn’t agreed to meet with her to explain the cuts.

“I am very frustrated by the provincial arts cuts, as are a lot of people here,” Deal told the Straight today (October 1) at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention at Vancouver Convention Centre. “It’s a really emotional issue for people. It’s striking close to the bone, and some of us are upset about it. Some of us attempted to get a meeting with Minister Krueger while we were here. I asked for a meeting with Minister Krueger to talk about culture budgeting...and we were turned down. Apparently, it was too late and his schedule was already full.

“In the happiest light, it means that a whole lot of other people booked meetings to talk to him about his provincial arts cuts already,” Deal added. “He’s going to be hearing the same message over again.”

NDP arts critic Spencer Herbert said via cellphone he has also tried to meet with Krueger for a month now. He added that he will meet Krueger’s deputy minister, Lori Wanamaker, on Monday (October 5).

Krueger didn’t respond to a call from the Straight today.