Oda announces permanent $30M increase for Canada Council
Last Updated: Friday, July 20, 2007 | 12:20 PM ET
CBC Arts
Heritage Minister Bev Oda has announced a permanent $30-million increase in annual funding for the Canada Council for the Arts.
The May 2006 federal budget raised the Canada Council's funding by $20 million in 2006-7 and $30 million the following year, but the increase was not guaranteed in future.
Oda, appearing in Toronto on Friday, announced the funding increase would be rolled into the Canada Council's budget, raising its annual total to $180 million a year.
"For 50 years, the Canada Council for the Arts has supported talented artists in achieving their dreams. It has helped our arts organizations, our creators, our communities and our country," Oda said in a statement.
The national agency offers a broad range of grants and services to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations.
The Canada Council is currently developing a strategic plan for its spending from 2008 to 2011, according to director Robert Sirman.
"This is wonderful news, not only for the Canada Council and the arts community, but for all Canadians whose lives are touched by the arts," he said.
"It will allow us to plan for the future, with a view to strengthening the capacity of artists and arts organizations to contribute to the lives of Canadians and the communities where they live."
The council's plan is expected to be announced in the fall.
