CCA BULL ETIN / BULLETIN DE LA CCA
CULTURE PART OF LIBERALS' VISION
Ottawa , October 5, 2004 - With its main themes of cooperation (essential for a minority government) and fiscal discipline, today's Speech from the Throne was mainly a commitment to follow through on the key Liberal party promises made during the election campaign. In essence the "vision" for Canada for the next Parliamentary session, the Speech contained one specific mention of culture at the end of the section about Cities and Communities :
"What makes our communities vibrant and creative is the quality of their cultural life. The government will foster cultural institutions and policies that aspire to excellence, reflect a diverse and multicultural society, respond to the new challenges of globalization and the digital economy, and promote diversity of views and cultural expression at home and abroad."
CCA hopes this is in fact a strong indication that the government will renew the Tomorrow Starts Today (TST) funding.
However, the cultural sector should not take this for granted.
It is still vitally important that CCA members inform the government (MPs, Ministers, and key decision makers) how crucial this funding is to the sector. They need to hear that the renewal must be:
Advocacy Action
More information on how to take action can be found in CCA's bulletin of September 15 (41/04) and on our website . Please take the time to read the material and to send off letters and/or emails to MPs, Ministers, and other key decision makers. With this minority government, caucus has a greater say than previously, and lobbying efforts to MPs is extremely important. CCA would appreciate it if copies could be forwarded to our offices, for information.
OTHER PLUSES, MINUSES AND UNKNOWNS
+ One of the government's seven guiding commitments is "to defend the Charter of Rights and Freedoms".
+ "The first element is to invest in people, Canada 's greatest source of creativity and economic strength."
+ There will be continued emphasis on skills upgrading in collaboration with sector councils.
+ "The government will continue to review the Employment Insurance program to ensure that it remains well-suited to the needs of Canada 's workforce."
+ "The government is determined to foster the social economy … to create the conditions for their success…. To that end, it will introduce a new Not-for-Profit Corporations Act."
+ Development of a "first-ever comprehensive strategy for the North". The Speech describes the North as a "vast area of unique cultural and ecological significance".
+ "For a decade, all governments have understood that the most important investment that can be made is in our children…. children must have real opportunities to learn." This might provide opportunities for the National Strategy for Arts and Learning in which CCA is a partner, with the Canada Council and UNESCO.
- "[The government] will table legislation to … crack down on child pornography." (Check this against the first plus shown.)
- In the section relating to Canada 's cities and communities, mention is made of "building a better quality of life", but only areas such as public transit, roads, clean water, green spaces, and sewers are mentioned here. (However, it should be noted that the paragraph on culture, quoted at the top of this bulletin, does come at the conclusion this section.)
? In the description of Canada 's need to improve its relationship with the United States , the Speech states "… it is no longer possible to separate domestic and international policies…. [the relationship] must be built on shared values, on mutual respect, and on a strong and independent voice for Canada ". Does this speak against foreign ownership of Canada 's cultural industries? Or the opposite?
One of the key themes throughout the Speech from the Throne was that of “fiscal discipline”, something very familiar to those in the cultural sector. As Jean Malavoy, National Director of the Canadian Conference of the Arts, stated in response to the Speech : “The good news is that artists and arts organizations are already the most unwavering champions of fiscal discipline. This represents a further compelling reason for supporting the arts, in addition to the arts being central to helping children and youth develop valuable life skills, contributing to the quality of life of our communities, and reflecting our national identity.”
IN OTHER BUSINESS
The budget estimates from the last Budget (February 2004) still need to be re-tabled. This means the estimates must go before the appropriate parliamentary Standing Committee for review. (It is hoped the Standing Committees' membership will be known within 7-10 days.)
The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, which is where the estimates for the cultural sector will be examined, will have 12 members: 5 Liberals, 4 Conservatives, 2 Bloc québécois, and 1 New Democratic Party member. The chair will be Liberal, the 1st vice-chair Conservative, and the 2nd vice-chair BQ. Given that the Liberals no longer have a majority on the committee, it is possible that the opposition parties could reject or reduce the estimates, but they are not allowed to increase them. It remains to be seen what effect the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage could have on the Budget estimates for the current fiscal year.
For more information:
Kevin Desjardins
Communications and Public Relations Manager
(613) 238 3561 ext.11
Fax (613) 238 4849
47/04
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