Tourism, Culture and Recreation
September 24, 2008

Qu�bec City Meeting to Focus on Federal Cuts to Cultural Programming

Federal cutbacks to nation-wide arts and culture programming will top the agenda as provincial and territorial ministers responsible for heritage and culture meet September 25-26 in Qu�bec City.

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, said the issue of recent federal cuts to arts programming has galvanized the country in a way few issues have in many years, and represents a loss of about $250,000 to Newfoundland and Labrador�s artists and cultural organizations � particularly in the area of cultural export opportunities. The province has announced it will cover the financial gap by the elimination of those programs.

"The vast majority of Canadians are clearly united on this issue," said Minister Jackman. "The outrage has been expressed from coast-to-coast-to-coast. When we see our Federal Government making decisions which negatively affect our ability to preserve, promote and celebrate our national cultural identify � and the unique aspects of our provincial and territorial identities which define this country � Canadians have no recourse but to stand up and say, �enough�."

The Qu�bec City meeting was originally to have included the federal minister, Jos�e Verner, but she became unavailable following the federal election call.

"The timing of the election campaign could not have been more convenient for the Federal Government � or more inconvenient for provincial and territorial culture ministers determined to make them accountable for these recent cutbacks," said Minister Jackman.

The minister added that the value of cultural industries to the present and future vitality of Newfoundland and Labrador � and the entire country � cannot be overstated.

"As a Provincial Government, we have invested heavily in our arts, culture and heritage sectors, and it is high time the Federal Government recognizes its role and responsibility in supporting the growth of our cultural industries," said Minister Jackman.

In the past five years, the Provincial Government has more than doubled its investment in the arts, culture and heritage sectors, from $11.4 million to almost $25 million in 2008. In 2006, the province released its cultural strategy, Creative Newfoundland and Labrador, which included a three-year $17.6 million commitment of new funding to the sector.

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Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca 

2008 09 24                                                    10:45 a.m.

 


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