OTTAWA, December 15, 2004 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla today announced a new investment of up to $192 million1 in arts and culture for 2005-2006. As a result, Minister Frulla is able to reassure the arts and culture community with a one-year extension of the Government of Canada's investment in arts and culture, known as Tomorrow Starts Today.As a rule, a commitment such as this one would be made in the context of a federal budget. However, the Government of Canada has taken this exceptional step in order to allow recipients of this investment to continue their work without interruption. The Government of Canada will consider the longer term future of this investment in the context of the next budget.This funding will continue to be strategically invested through support programs for the arts, publishing, sound recording, the export of cultural products, and for increasing the presence of Canadian culture on the Internet. As part of this investment, the Canada Council for the Arts will receive $25 million in order to maintain its increased level of financial assistance for artists and arts organizations."One of my priorities upon my appointment as Minister of Canadian Heritage was to secure this investment in arts and culture by the Government of Canada. Today, I am thrilled to make this announcement in advance of the tabling of the next federal budget," said Minister Frulla. "This investment has helped make our communities vibrant and interesting places to live, where arts and culture play a central role. It has also fostered a rewarding partnership involving our government, creators and cultural industries, and has given Canadians the opportunity to discover a wider variety of works that have sprung from the imaginations of our artists.""During the most recent meeting of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers responsible for Culture and Heritage, a resolution was unanimously adopted recognizing the positive impact of the federal government's investment in the arts and culture sector over the past four years. Today, I am pleased to be able to respond favourably to the wish expressed by my provincial and territorial counterparts", added Minister Frulla.A list of recipients who benefit from the programs supported by this Government of Canada investment in arts and culture, as well as information on the scope of these programs at the national and international levels, are available on the Internet at: www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/tomorrowstartstoday In the context of a governmental reorganization announced last year, $15 million was permanently transferred to Environment Canada and International Trade Canada.Information:Donald BoulangerPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788 Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
