Carbon pricing ‘off the table,’ says Kent
Since taking over the environment file in January, 2011, Environment Minister Peter Kent has had to relentlessly defend the Conservative federal government’s response to climate change and sell the Canadian public on the sweeping changes to environmental legislation included in the 2012 budget bill. Mr. Kent (Thornhill, Ont.) took over as Environment Minister from […]
Feds roll out War of 1812 commemorations, critics says it’s too much
Spending $28-million to commemorate the War of 1812’s bicentennial this summer during a time when the federal government is expected to cut billions of dollars is “irresponsible,” say opposition MPs. “I think most Canadians are despondent when they see almost $30-million being spent to commemorate one war,” Liberal MP David McGuinty (Ottawa South, Ont.) told […]
Feds needs to do more to foster a vibrant arts and culture sector in Canada
As Canadians we have arrived at a defining moment in our history. At stake is the history and tradition we have built for ourselves versus the homogenizing prospects of culture as defined by economic interests. More than just a reflection of our identity, arts and culture represent a crucial pillar of our society. Economically, they […]
Monarchy a defining trait of government’s cultural policy
The federal government continues to pay homage to the British monarchy with policies that outside observers say are motivated more by politics than pride. This spring the federal government is marking Queen Elizabeth II’s 60-year reign with Diamond Jubilee celebrations across Canada. The Tories have invested more than $7-million to host celebrations in capitals across […]
Feds should embrace vision of a culturally-vibrant Canada
PARLIAMENT HILL—Arts and culture are central to the Canada’s identity and the federal government has an important role to play in supporting artistic and creative activities. The arts allow communities to tell their stories, to share them across Canada, to celebrate our heritage. These narratives are important to who we are as Canadians. Cultural expressions […]
Without support for arts and culture, government ‘doesn’t have a plan for economic growth and recovery’: Minister Moore
The government has been tight-lipped when it comes to the details of this week’s federal budget, but Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore already knew that his department would see the deepest cuts when he appeared before the House Canadian Heritage Committee last December. “We will have the biggest cut in the operation of my department, […]
Moore says a government without a plan for arts and culture is one that has no plan for economy
Canadian federal Heritage Minister James Moore is credited as being a strong voice for the arts within Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government. Canada’s artistic and cultural industries were major recipients of stimulus funding following the 2009 recession, and Mr. Moore, who has been on the file since the fall of 2008, has consistently advocated for […]
Minister Moore gets high marks as a strong advocate for arts and culture within government, but critics skeptical of feds’ commitment
Conservative governments are often accused of being out of touch with the arts and culture sector, but Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore has spent the last four years working to change that perception. Since entering the House of Commons as a Canadian Alliance MP in 2000 at the age of 24, James Moore (Port Moody-Westwood-Port […]
PM, Finance and Industry to make innovation a top policy priority in 2012
The federal government has been signaling its willingness to take bold steps to foster innovation in Canada, but industry insiders say there needs to be a commitment across partisan lines if the country is to reap the long term benefits of such policies. Innovation has been a trending topic in official government statements after […]
