Aboriginal Affairs Minister supports ‘thrust’ of private member’s bill to replace Indian Act
Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan says he’s open to a Conservative backbencher’s private member’s bill that would require the minister to report annually on efforts to replace the Indian Act, but aboriginal groups and critics say the bill’s sponsor failed to consult with First Nations before introducing the bill. Conservative backbencher Rob Clarke (Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River, […]
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 […]
Canada’s digital economy strategy looks to tap into growing digital media industry
Digital media insiders are encouraged by recent federal investments in IT infrastructure and the Canadian Media Fund, but say that more could be done to celebrate homegrown successes and market the growing sector both nationally and internationally. The federal government took steps to bolster Canada’s digital economy in the 2011 budget with investments in […]
Ongoing dispute between publishers and universities highlights challenges of publishing in digital era
The bitter dispute between Canada’s universities and the country’s main copyright collective over copying fees persists, with each side accusing the other of using their position to get something for nothing. The latest rift started back in the spring of 2010 when Access Copyright filed with the Copyright Board of Canada to increase the […]
