CCA Bulletin 44/08 - The Votes are In: CCA Getting Ready for the 40th Parliament!

October 15, 2008

Just the Facts

Canadians have spoken and now all attention turns to the business of the 40th Parliament and the renewed minority mandate of the Conservative Party of Canada.

The Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA) congratulates all those who ran as candidates in the general election, whether they were successful or not. Their conviction to serve Canada is something that we can all appreciate and is the very heart of democracy.

And now, what is in store for Canadians? It is expected that the Prime Minister will select his new Cabinet in the coming days, and the CCA will provide background information on the new and returning Ministers from the arts and culture perspective once they are sworn in by the Governor General.

Another development to look for will be the Speech from the Throne in which the government will outline its priorities for the first session of the 40th Parliament. The CCA will provide a detailed analysis of the Speech and what it bodes for issues of importance to the arts and culture sector.

It is also unclear whether or not there will be an Economic Update presented before Christmas. Given the current economic uncertainty, the Prime Minister may take the opportunity of using the update to reassure Canadians about the security of our own economy.

Tell Me More

This past federal election has made the arts and culture a national issue for the first time in living memory. All political parties were drawn into the debate, giving Canadians the opportunity to consider the full spectrum of ideas and positions as important elements of the respective campaigns.

It is too soon to say whether the attention garnered by this issue will be sustained once Parliament returns. It is hoped that early on, we will see the tabling of a Bill on Copyright. Further, we hope to see the government follow-up on its promise to take the contentious phrase “contrary to public policy” from the section of the Bill amending the Income Tax Act concerning tax credits for film and video production.

Certainly, the CCA will continue to engage the public policy discussion regarding the funding of the arts and culture by the federal government. We will report on the development of policies and regulations intended to advance and sustain the creation and distribution of all forms of cultural expression in Canada, as well as create a dialogue on those policies which will help develop this key sector within Canada’s creative economy.

What Can I Do?

The CCA would appreciate hearing your views on the information we provided to the sector during the campaign. If you have ideas about what we could do better next time or what you found of good use please let us know by email, or better still, tell us in person at one of the Regional Forums which begin this week in Ottawa. We look forward to hearing your views and your perspective on the work of the 40th Parliament of Canada.