Liberals announce investments to revitalize Canada’s arts community

MONTREAL – A new Liberal government will double the budget of the Canada Council for the Arts to $360 million annually, while simultaneously reversing the cuts recently announced by the Conservative government to arts and culture, said Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion today.

“Canada’s diverse arts and cultural community plays an important role in our national identity,” said Mr. Dion. “We are committed to helping revitalize a vital sector of the Canadian economy that is under threat by Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s ideologically driven mismanagement.”

“We need to make it easier to make movies in Canada, not more difficult. That is why a Liberal government will increase the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit to 30 per cent. This measure will help create more high-quality jobs in an industry that already employs over 125,000 people,” said Mr. Dion.

Mr. Dion also committed to reverse the $45 million in program cuts the Harper Conservative government has imposed on Canada’s arts community since taking office.“Government needs to do a better job of supporting and promoting Canadian books, music and other forms of creativity,” he said.

“Unfortunately, we have a Conservative government that fails to see the value of artists and culture in fostering the richness of our country. We understand, and that is why we will restore the $45 million this government has cut.”Mr. Dion further committed that a future Liberal government will increase international arts promotion programming, vital programs that increase Canada’s exposure on the world stage by $26 million over four years, while increasing the Museum Assistance Program by $16 million, also over four years.

“Cultural activity fosters vibrant, livable cities and communities, and it also supports innovation, helps us understand our past and imagine our future, and stimulates our economy,” he said.But Mr. Dion noted that a Liberal commitment to our arts community will not stop with a simple injection of necessary funding.Mr. Dion also vowed to protect artistic freedom in Canada and promised that a new Liberal government will also stop Conservative attempts to grant the Minister of Heritage sweeping powers to censor films produced in Canada.

“A Liberal government will support our cultural industries, increasing Canada’s competitiveness and quality of life, inviting our leading cultural figures to showcase Canada to the world, and celebrating and encouraging our wonderful diversity,” said Mr. Dion.