Headline, Industry News

Layton will restore funding to the arts

QUEBEC CITY – New Democrat leader Jack Layton blasted outgoing Prime Minister Stephen Harper for his attacks on arts and culture in Quebec. Speaking before members of the Quebec City arts community, Layton announced the New Democrats policy on the cultural industries.

Layton accused Prime Minister Harper of making a $50 billion corporate tax cut the only real priority of his government, while cutting funds to crucial cultural programs.

There were more important things to do, Layton said. “One of the key things we need to do first is to protect and promote the arts.”

If elected Prime Minister, Layton promised New Democrats will:

  * Introduce income-averaging for artists, modeled directly on long-standing practice in the province of Quebec
* Provide an annual federal tax exemption of $20,000 for income earned from copyright and residuals income.
* Reform the CRTC to ensure that prime time television in French and in English is written, directed, stars, and is about Canada and Canadians
* Provide Radio-Canada and CBC with stable, secure and adequate funding.
* Protect and properly fund Telefilm and the Canadian Television Fund.
* Protect and properly fund the Canada Council.
* Reverse Mr. Harper’s $45 million cutback to culture.

Layton committed the New Democrats to defending the arts and culture, in Quebec and across Canada. “We aren’t going to let Mr. Harper turn the lights out on our stories, our heart, our soul.”