Cultural views of Canada’s political parties, as compiled by the CCA

With Paul Martin’s Liberals elected to a minority government on June 28, here’s a look at the cultural policies of the various parties. The statements come from the parties’ published platforms as compiled by the Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA). But experts question whether the Liberals with their 135 seats (compared to 99 seats for the Conservatives, 19 seats for the New Democratic Party, and 54 seats for the Bloc Quebecois) will be able to get many bills passed. What is the party’s platform on funding the cultural sector? Liberal Party: Will provide increased support for the major arts organizations through Canada Council, to enable export of Canadian cultural excellence. Will ensure the "policies of key cultural institutions such as Telefilm, the CBC and the Canadian Television Fund are fully aligned with the objective of producing more successful Canadian programming of all genres." "The fact is I have always been a supporter of public broadcasting and will continue to be so," Paul Martin stated in Smiths Falls, ON on May 25, 2004. Liberal party officials have indicated that only new funding is outlined in the platform; funding such as Tomorrow Starts Today, and to organizations such as CBC and the Canada Council, would remain in place. Conservative Party: The Conservatives plan to audit all federal grant and contribution programs and contracting polices "on an expedited basis." Also "... will initiate an overall review of the relevance of the role played by the CRTC in Canada’s communication and broadcasting industries," according to the document Areas of Agreement, Conservative Party of Canada Partial Policy Statement, that is dated Feb. 4, 2004. With regard to specific questions on funding to the CBC and Canada Council, a spokesperson stated that "no mention in the platform indicates status quo" for a first Conservative mandate. New Democratic Party: Supporting Canadian visual and performing artists and writers through project-based grants and tax credits. Wants to "revitalize" CBC; raise floor of its operating budget to $1 billion (currently at $997 million) in annual funding "providing the support necessary." Bloc Québécois: Will continue to defend and promote Quebec culture and artists while recognizing the principle of Quebec cultural diversity on the international scene. Resists any federal government efforts to use culture for political means. Supports ’s demand for an increased budget to Canada Council (to $300 million); $100 million per year for the Canadian Television Fund. Green Party: Acknowledges the high social and economic benefits of the arts. "Would expand arts funding mechanisms to include smaller, community based, participatory arts programs." What support is there for a legally binding international agreement to support cultural diversity? Liberal Party: Will "play a leadership role" in ratifying the International Convention on Cultural Diversity, appointing a Special Envoy for cultural diversity; will ensure Quebec has a voice at UNESCO Cultural Diversity negotiations. Conservative Party: No specific policy on this issue; no mention in the platform indicates status quo for a first Conservative mandate. New Democratic Party: "... Governments must make it clear that our cultural identity is not for sale by ensuring that trade deals include protection for culture." Supports licensing of international, multilingual television on cable; ensuring a diversity of voices in Canadian media. Bloc Québécois: The BQ believes the measures developed to support culture should be sheltered from commercial accords. UNESCO should determine what is a cultural product or service. Green Party: No specific policy on this issue.

Cultural views of Canada’s political parties, as compiled by the CCA

News | 07/05/2004 4:00 am EDT

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