QUESTION PERIOD — Canadian Heritage
Support for the Arts and Culture
October 31, 2024
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Gold, last week, the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal published the results of a new study on Montreal as a cultural metropolis and the need to protect and develop its cultural assets.
This study sets out 22 recommendations for ensuring the vitality and sustainability of our cultural sector.
Does the federal government support the creation of such a platform, and would it be willing to actively participate to guarantee strategic support for our cultural sector?
Thank you for the question, senator.
As a Montrealer and a Quebecer, I fully understand, as does the government, the importance of our cultural industries and our cultural life, not just for the well-being of our citizens and visitors, but also as a key part of our identity, including our way of attracting tourists and visitors, as our former colleague, Senator Bovey, so often mentioned here in the Senate.
Thank you for the suggestion. I will be sure to pass it on to the minister right away. The Government of Canada will continue to support every aspect of the cultural sector.
Our cultural industries generate significant economic spinoffs, accounting for $11 billion or 2.4% of Quebec’s GDP.
Since this sector is so important to our economy and to our national identity, does the government plan to take further action to strengthen Quebec’s cultural ecosystem, in partnership with other levels of government and local stakeholders?
Thank you for your question.
I can’t speculate on possible future funding, but the government already offers several programs to support the growth of the cultural sector. One example is the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, or CCSF, which supports the improvement of physical conditions for arts, heritage culture and creative innovation.
