Ottawa, February 23, 2005 -- The Canada Council for the Arts has welcomed the news that a major infusion of federal funding for culture - including $25 million a year for the Canada Council - has now been extended for the next five years. The extension of the funding was part of the federal budget tabled by Finance Minister Ralph Goodale earlier today. The Honourable Liza Frulla, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced in December that the Tomorrow Starts Today initiative, first announced in 2001, would be extended for the 2005-2006 fiscal year. However, Wednesday's budget goes even further, by extending the Tomorrow Starts Today funding for five years. Canada Council Chair Karen Kain was delighted with the news. "This is wonderful news, not only for the Canada Council, but also for the thousands of artists and arts organizations who receive Council funding," she said. "I think this will allow the arts community to breathe a little easier, and we greatly appreciate the government's efforts in making this happen." Ms. Kain said the $25 million will not solve all the Canada Council's funding woes, "but it's a good start." "The number of artists and arts organizations in Canada has increased dramatically over the past two decades, and far too many deserving projects have had to be turned down because of lack of funds," she said. "We are pleased that the government recognizes the challenges we face, and appreciates the value the arts bring to Canadians and their communities." The Canada Council's total Parliamentary appropriation - including the Tomorrow Starts Today funding - was just over $150 million this year. In 2003-2004, the Council provided support to more than 4,000 individual artists and arts organizations in hundreds of communities across Canada. -30- Tous les documents du Conseil des Arts du Canada sont offerts en français et en anglais. Media contact: Donna BalkanSenior Communications Manager1-800-263-5588 or (613) 566-4414, ext. 4134 Email this contactCarole BretonPublic Relations Officer1-800-263-5588 or (613) 566-4414, ext. 4523 Email this contact
