Federal Government Releases 2019 Budget

Image: Canadian Arts Coalition.

On March 19, the Government of Canada released its 2019 Federal Budget, which includes increases to the Canadian Arts Presentation Fund, the Canada Music Fund, and other critical funding sources for Canadian arts and culture. The Canadian Arts Coalition, for which BC Alliance executive director Brenda Leadlay is a member of the steering committee, has issued the following statement:

The Canadian Arts Coalition (CAC) is pleased to see the government commit to a $16 million increase of the Canadian Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF) over two years in the 2019 Federal Budget as well as an impressive amount of other increases for the sector. The CAC advocated for this targeted investment in the creative value chain at Arts Day on the Hill 2018.

Kate Cornell, Co-Chair of the Coalition and Executive Director of the Canadian Dance Assembly stated, “This strategic investment in Canadian festivals and presenters is pivotal to ensure that diverse and innovative works created by Canadian artists can reach Canadian audiences.”

The Coalition persistently advocated for a CAPF increase in the last year, and we are not alone. Member associations and allies from the Arts and Culture sector made many representations, notably to the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, and the Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance. The Standing Committee on Finance backed the sector by calling on the government to increase its funding for CAPF “in order to foster a strong domestic market that will serve as a launch pad for Canadian performing arts productions on international markets.” In addition, twenty-four MPs, as well as mayors and various partner arts service organizations, joined the Coalition’s call by writing letters of support.

The Canadian Arts Coalition is encouraged that the government is recognizing the importance of presenters, including the Confederation Centre for the Arts, by providing adequate support for the vitality of the cultural sector. In his speech, Minister Morneau noted that in order “to give more people here in Canada and around the world a chance to see, hear, and appreciate our talented and diverse artists, we’re making new investments that will help support our musicians, and bring festivals and performing arts series to more communities across the country.”

More applause is heard from the arts sector for the timely investment of $20 million over two years in the Canada Music Fund and $24 million over two years to the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program and the Celebration and Commemoration Program. With investments totalling $60 over four programs, this will ensure Canadians can experience more dynamic performances and exhibits at festivals.

Lastly, the Canadian Arts Coalition was particularly pleased to see $1 million allocated over two years to Gender Based Analysis and the collection of disaggregated data at the Department of Canada Heritage. Several members of the Coalition referenced the need for more data about gender equality and diversity when they presented at the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage’s Gender Parity study last year.

The Canadian Arts Coalition would like to commend Minister Morneau for his recognition of the arts over the last four years beginning with the continuation of government funding of the Canada Council, and Minister Rodriguez for addressing several issues in his mandate letter and his sensitivity to the Canadian arts ecology.  Overall, we appreciate this government’s commitment to Arts and Culture and can hope for continued investment moving forward.

The parts of the budget concerning arts and culture can be found here.