The Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board and MP for Provencher stated that the Conservative Government’s investment in cultural infrastructure across the country will ensure the sustainability of local arts and cultural institutions while boosting our economy and creating jobs.
“In communities across Canada, including here in Manitoba, cultural infrastructure, such as theatres, museums and libraries need upgrades, repairs and renovations. These institutions make important contributions to our cities and to our lives, and this is a perfect time to invest in cultural infrastructure,” said Toews.
As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Conservative Government is investing an additional $60 million over the next 2 years in the “Cultural Spaces” program, to support infrastructure for community cultural and heritage institutions.
To give a further boost to local economies, the Government has temporarily increased the maximum level of federal funding from one-third to half the project cost. Previously, the Cultural Spaces program funded a maximum of 33% or 40% of a project’s costs, depending on the project type. For the next two years, the maximum will be up to 50% of a project’s costs.
“We will give priority to projects that can stimulate our economy, through immediate job creation and longer-term economic impacts. By investing in cultural infrastructure today, we can ensure the sustainability of local arts and cultural institutions for many years to come,” concluded Toews.
