Liberal Party
Carolyn Bennett, M.P.
bennec@teammartin.ca
www.carolynbennett.ca
416-651-8683
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1. What role do the arts play in your life?
The arts are central to my life and to that of my family.
I have personally supported the film industry and my husband's
film-making career for twenty-five years. I am hugely proud
of his 15 feature films that tell the stories of Canadians.
As well, my son Ben has just finished his second year of York's
theatre arts program and written two plays that have been
produced.
2. What role do the arts play in keeping people healthy?
The Toronto arts sector has grown into a vibrant, internationally-recognized
community. It is also important to our tourism sector and
is a key factor in attracting guests to our city. The joy
of artistic expression is, quite simply, vital to our mental
health. It helps to define who we are and what we believe
in. I also believe that early exposure to the arts is essential
to helping children develop their self esteem.
3. Why is it important that Toronto have a healthy arts
sector?
Like almost every modern culture in the world, government
must be involved in the protection and financial support of
the arts. The three levels of government must provide necessary
funding for our artists. Such support is fundamental for an
involved, caring society. The Liberal Party understands that
arts and culture play a significant role in supporting the
Canadian in economy. In 1996-97, the arts and culture trade
generated $22.5 billion dollars for the Canadian economy.
This number has only grown in recent years.
Beyond the economic impact, however, the arts are a critical
element in what defines us as Canadians. The protection and
proliferation of our unique and distinctive arts community
is critical to Canada's health, both on the national and international
stage. In order to protect the diverse and remarkable community
of artists that Canada boasts, it is critical to develop tools
that will support the creative members of our society and
allow them to prosper.
4. Does your party believe that Canadian content and
ownership should be protected in our broadcasting industry?
The Liberal Government has developed a strong broadcasting
system that meets the cultural objectives of Canadians. We
will continue building a strong, vibrant system that reflects
the lives and the values of Canadians from all parts of this
country.
The Liberal government places a heavy emphasis on Canadian
content for several reasons. Culturally, Canadian programs
and music give voice to Canadians, to their talent and their
shared experiences. Economically, it means jobs for thousands
of Canadians - from creation to production and distribution
on the airwaves. As an example of the Liberal Government's
commitment to a strong broadcasting sector was the establishment
of the Canada Television Fund - a private-public partnership
whose goal is to assist the creation and broadcast of high-quality
culturally significant Canadian television programs in English,
French and Aboriginal Languages from all regions of the country.
In Budget 2004, the Liberal government increased funding for
the fund to $100 million annually.
5. Our artists help make our society prosperous, yet
many of them work and live in relative poverty. How can the
Federal Government assist in returning some of that prosperity
to our artists?
The Liberal government has introduced many initiatives designed
to help Canada's artists support themselves, while at the
same time exploring their creative interests. The Department
of Canadian Heritage offers a number of programs, including
the Cultural Initiatives Program, which facilitate the involvement
of artists from across Canada in over 150 national and international
art festivals and special art events. Canadian Heritage also
operates a national arts training contribution program, supporting
national institutions that prepare young people for professional
arts careers. The Canadian Council of Arts is an arms-length
government organization that seeks to foster and promote the
study and production of works in the arts. In 2003, the Council
distributed $142.3 million in grants and prizes to 6000 artists
and art institutions and 13,889 writers. The Liberal government
also recognizes that reduced taxes can significantly ease
the financial burden on low-income Canadians, including many
of our artists. That is why the Liberal government, starting
with Budget 2000, has consistently implemented policies to
reduce taxation to these individuals. The tax rate for individuals
who make less that $35,000 annually has now been reduced to
16%. Furthermore, the basic personal tax exemption has been
increased to $8,000. These tax cuts, combined with the direct
support offered by the Canadian government, creates an environment
for Canadian artists not simply to subsist, but to flourish,
with the collective benefits strengthening our nation's culture.
6. Do you support federal investment in Canada’s
arts sector? Does investment in the arts produce a health
dividend? An educational dividend? A public safety dividend?
If elected, would you vote to increase funding to the arts
sector through The Canada Council? Through Department of Canadian
Heritage? Do you support provision of stable, adequate, multi-year
arts funding?
The Liberal government also understands that cultural institutions
begin production of their programs and films several years
in advance. We support the recommendation of the Standing
Committee on Canadian Heritage to provide these institutions
with stable multi-year funding. For example, Budget 1997 guaranteed
stable funding to the CBC for 5 years. Since that promise,
funding for the CBC has steadily risen from $806.4 million
in 1997-98 to $1.0465 billion in 2002-03.
In light of conflicting reports from two House of Commons
committees on the issue of foreign ownership, the Liberal
government has undertaken an assessment of foreign ownership
rules for cable and satellite distribution systems. The Heritage
Minister has indicated to the Standing Committee on Canadian
Heritage that the strength of Canada's broadcasting system
must not be compromised by any kind of foreign-ownership measures.
Canada has the right and the duty to protect its cultural
identity.
A new Liberal government will continue to promote and protect
Canadian cultural content. Canada's tradition of arts is an
important thread in the fabric that holds our country together.
Art educates, it lifts spirits, and it promotes the values
that Canadians cherish. The Liberal government will continue
to support and embrace all that the arts community has to
offer. |
