Government of Canada announces budget measures to protect our Canadian culture, values and identity

MONTRÉAL, November 7, 2025

In a rapidly changing and uncertain world, Canada’s new government is focused on what we can control. We are protecting our communities and our country. We are building our economy with major projects and millions more homes. We are empowering Canadians with lower costs and new opportunities to help you get ahead. We cannot control what other countries do, but we can control what we choose to build, and we are building Canada Strong.

Culture is a powerful driver of innovation and inclusion, strengthening both our economy and our identity. In the face of global challenges, culture brings Canadians together, nurturing national pride and preserving the vitality of our communities.

Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, announced Budget 2025 investments in culture totalling $503 million over four years, starting in 2026-27, in sectors such as the arts, multimedia, journalism, and national celebrations. He made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue.

Canada’s artists, creators and cultural entrepreneurs are at the heart of our creative economy. Budget 2025 proposes new investments to grow Canada’s creative industries and ensure our national cultural institutions remain strong, resilient and successful. This includes support for Telefilm Canada, the Canada Media Fund, the National Film Board, and the Canada Council for the Arts. Budget 2025 also proposes funding to help Canadian talent succeed in an increasingly digital and global marketplace, including through the Canada Music Fund. 

Culture is experienced locally, in our towns, neighbourhoods, and public spaces. Budget 2025 proposes targeted support to strengthen community identity and participation through experiences and celebrations in every region of Canada. This includes support for local festivals, community anniversaries and community-initiated capital projects through the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program, and for professionally presented arts festivals or performing arts series through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund. Budget 2025 also proposes funding for communities to celebrate Canada Day and National Acadian Day.

Budget 2025 proposes to provide $150 million in funding to support the modernization of CBC/Radio-Canada’s mandate and strengthen its mandate and better deliver for Canadians in both French and English.

Budget 2025 also proposes to provide to provide $116.3 million to renew the Canada Strong Pass for the holiday season, from December 12, 2025, to January 15, 2026, and for summer 2026. This will provide families and young people free or discounted access to national parks, museums, galleries, and rail travel.

Together, those investments are key to protecting Canada’s cultural sovereignty, strengthening our economy, and building Canada strong.