Federal Liberals pledge to double Canada Council for the Arts budget

The federal Liberals are pledging to double the annual budget of the Canada Council for the Arts. The party released its 98-page election platform online yesterday (April 3), and devoted one page to arts and culture.

The platform states: “A Liberal government will significantly increase support for Canadian artists and creators by doubling the annual budget of the Canada Council for the Arts, from $180 million to $360 million over the next four years.”

In addition, the party says it will restore the PromArt and Trade Routes program that were eliminated in 2008 by Conservatives, and increase their funding to $25 million. The Liberals also pledged to “create a domestic tours program as well.”

The party is also promising to "provide the CBC and Radio-Canada with stable and predictable funding in support of their unique and crucial roles."

Comments

17 Comments

Ken Lawson

Apr 4, 2011 at 11:27am

Oh go no do not allow this to happen Vote Conservative on May 2,2011

Steve Y

Apr 4, 2011 at 12:11pm

Question: Where the hell does all this money go?? 180 M could start say, 4000 high tech companies like facebook or get pissed away by over indulgent artists... which one would I choose?

David Jordan

Apr 4, 2011 at 9:36pm

You are right. Life would be better if we had less art and more Facebook. We should just scrap all the museums, galleries and theatres and tweet about it from the safety and comfort of our homes. Thanks for putting that in perspective.

David Finlay

Apr 4, 2011 at 9:55pm

Canadians enjoy their funding, it's part of what makes this country what it is, and Stephen Harper is about cutting funding; for those in need of medical aid in Africa, for political parties, and, if elected a majority, possibly cutting funding for health care. While we do need to ensure the Liberals don't waste our hard earned tax dollars, they offer accountability so we can do that, even if it is in hindsight. WIth the current Conservative government under Stephen Harper, we lose that accountability, as well as funding for programs many Canadians want. The CBC Voter Compass isn't biased, Canadians just don't wanna move as far right as Harper wants to take us. The death of the old PC government has left a hole in the political spectrum that has yet to be filled, but Canadians can try and fill it by enforcing accountability, fiscally and otherwise, on a government willing to fund what we want. Stephen Harper and the Conservatives aren't that government, so we're left with the Liberals. Thjs election was called because Harper won't play nicely with a minority government, so let's get rid of him and move forward, instead of condemning Canadians to another term of unaccountable decisions and frequent Parliament closures.

Vanessa Sabourin

Apr 5, 2011 at 2:53pm

It's not just funding, it's jobs. And artists are among the hardest working and most intelligent people I know. I'm not saying they are the only hard working or intelligent people nor that all artistic people are the same. But I think if people stopped and took everything out of their lives that began as an arts project they would find they have very little left. What do you listen to when you need time off from work? What do you watch for a bit of down time? Do you read? What do you read? Do you have any pictures up on your walls? Where can you gather with a group of people you don't know and have a shared experience instead of sitting in front of your computer? What do you do with your children? The arts are important. Whose creative work is advancing our technology? What about your house, your furniture, your clothing? Artistic, creative thinking is what moves things forward. Cutting funding cuts jobs and possibilities.

Goldorak

Apr 6, 2011 at 10:07am

Enough!
Either we people buy a painting, go to see a play, enjoy a concert or not. We makes choices, either going to watch a hockey game or to the symphony. Since tickets are cheaper at the symphony the choice is not motivated by money.
We may also decide to not go for a variety of reasons. Yet forcing taxpayers Arts funding is the equivalent of government buying GM shares when the public did not buy the cars.
I love arts and artists, not the cliques who deal in the backrooms.

benoit

Apr 7, 2011 at 7:28pm

Are you people serious? I guess anyone who disagree that we in fact should put more money in the arts council can't understand why it is necessary. Without that money, there would be no symphony, nor play, nor paintings... you'd turn on the tube and watch american tv shows or movies. Or go to the cinema and watch hollywood blockbusters. Turn on the radio and listen to crapy pop music from the USA. I guess you couldn't agree with giving more money to the artists because you already are assimilated by a culture that it isn't your own. Or maybe you are completely alienated by corporate lucrative entertainement. Or maybe you aren't cultivated at all. Maybe the catholic church was right and the earth IS flat. But one thing is for shure, if you don't think artists need more money, you don't think we need more arts...You know what? There is more to canadian culture than maple syrup, Tim Hortons, Celine Dion and hockey.

Mike Hunter

Apr 8, 2011 at 9:21am

sigh, if only we could believe them. Still, at least the arts are on their agenda.

donn coppens

Apr 8, 2011 at 9:25am

Do any voters actually believe any tubthumping from any party? Really?
I can still remember voting for the Liberals because they promised to eliminate the hated GST.

Ross Atley

Apr 8, 2011 at 4:59pm

The "Arts" are the cornerstones of any civilization.., have been for eons..., wake up!!!