Provincial Government Announces 2021 BC Budget

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On April 20, BC Minister of Finance Selina Robinson presented the 2021 provincial budget, with an eye toward helping struggling businesses survive the pandemic.

The budget didn’t contain any major surprises for arts and culture: according to CBC, BC has already spent nearly $60 million to help arts and culture organizations weather the pandemic (including $35M via the BC Arts Council and $22.5M via Amplify BC), and the 2021 budget doubled arts infrastructure funding for programs providing grants to construct new spaces, expand existing ones and purchase new equipment.

The 2021 budget includes $120 million in new tourism spending with a focus on undefined “anchor attractions” and supporting infrastructure. Says CBC, “The industry specific spending in this year's budget is an increase from last year, when $554 million was spent on grants, tax credits and supports to help industries hit hard by the pandemic — including tourism, arts and culture and the restaurant industry.”

Read more about the 2021 BC budget here.