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THE SCOOP | Federal Budget 2016 Announce $1.9 Billion For The Arts

By Michael Vincent on March 22, 2016

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada in January (Photo Tom Freda/Flickr)
Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada in January (Photo Tom Freda/Flickr)

Canada’s artists and arts presenters are doing the happy dance today, as the Federal Government has announced a $1.9 billion cash infusion into the arts sector, including $675 million for the CBC.

The Canada Council will see $40 million in extra funds this year, and its annual budget doubled over a five-year span.

The government made good on its promise to rescue the CBC/Radio-Canada from years of cutbacks by the Harper Conservative administration. The Liberals will inject $675 million over five years, to help revitalize the public broadcaster and better prepare it for the digital era. The funding will start with $75 million this year, and an additional $150 million annually for four years.

“Reversing past cuts will enable the CBC to adapt to the changing broadcasting landscape – providing us with high-quality, relevant content how, where and when Canadians want it,” the budget document stated.

Arts presenters will receive new financial aid for construction of new cultural spaces and funds to renovate existing facilities.

“These targeted investments will be provided to, among others, the Canada Council for the Arts, Telefilm Canada, the National Film Board and unique programs that will allow our artists once again to shine on the international stage,” the budget document stated.

The National Gallery will receive an emergency $33 million infusion to address years of neglect and will get an additional $105 million over the next five years.

The Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa will receive $156 million over three years for a new state-of-art conservation facility.

The National Arts Centre in Ottawa builds upon last year’s $110 million funding to help cover a new facade, with an additional $114 million to fund renovations of the performance spaces.

2016-Federal-Budget

Where the Conservative government canceled many of the programs that helped artists gain international attention, such as the Trade Routes program, the Liberals have announced a new $35 million program to sponsor promotional activities abroad.

The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund was tapped for $168.2 million over two years. The program is designed to fund regional arts groups and festivals’ brick-and-mortar infrastructure.

“Culture is synonymous with creation. It also creates a collective wealth that goes beyond economic benefits and statistics,” the budget stated.

Other budget highlights for the arts include:

Telefilm Canada: $22 million more over five years.
National Film Board: $13.5 million boost over five years.
Construction of cultural and recreational centres in First Nations communities: $76.9 million over two years.
National Gallery: $9.6 million over two years for repairs.

See here for more details and to view a copy of the budget.

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Michael Vincent
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