The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, said the Department of Canadian Heritage�s decision to cut five more arts and culture programs over the next two years is unacceptable.

While there has not been a formal announcement, the cancellation of the programs is being posted on websites and there has been confirmation directly to stakeholders that the following cultural programs are being terminated: the Stabilization Projects and Capacity Building, which are initiatives under the Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program; A-V Presentation Trust; the Canadian Independent Film and Video Fund; and, the National Training Schools Program.

"These programs play a significant role in the development of the Canadian cultural industries," said Minister Jackman. "Culture is a valuable asset that defines our identity, enriches our lives and provides economic opportunity. These cuts are detrimental to our artists and will affect efforts being made for our cultural industries to become increasingly competitive in the global market."

These funding cuts fall on the heels of announcements made earlier this week to cancel PromArt and Trade Routes, two federal arts subsidy programs totaling $13 million. The cancellation of PromArt and Trade Routes, along with the termination of the additional five programs, brings total federal cultural funding cuts to nearly $50 million.

Minister Jackman said several Newfoundland and Labrador artists have benefited from these programs and that he calls on all Federal Members of Parliament to stand up for cultural industries.

"Just last week Prime Minister Harper was in Newfoundland and Labrador speaking of our province�s distinct culture and its importance," Minister Jackman said. "His actions do not match his words. There is now a gap in cultural funding and as a province we strongly urge the Federal Government to rethink this decision which will have a major impact on not only current and future artists, but also the cultural landscape of our country."

Newfoundland and Labrador artists who have benefited from programs being cut include filmmakers Barbara Doran, Lynne Wilson and Gerry Rogers. In 2006, the Provincial Government released Creative Newfoundland and Labrador � The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture, which included a commitment of $17.6 million over three years to preserve and promote the arts and culture sectors.

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2008 08 18                                                  11:20 a.m.