Duceppe says he supports federal money for cultural events

Last Updated: Tuesday, January 3, 2006 | 11:46 PM ET

CBC News

Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe says he supports federal government programs funding sports and cultural events in Quebec and that Ottawa could even promote itself at these events.

But Duceppe said that unlike the sponsorship program, no money should be paid out to ad agencies and other middlemen.

Duceppe was blindsided when the event organizer of an ice fishing festival told reporters Tuesday that he really misses the old federal sponsorship program because it brought in $60,000 a year.

Gilles Duceppe responds to media questions as he stands in front of fishing cabins placed on the Sainte-Anne River Tuesday Jan. 3, 2006. (CP photo)

"I want him to go back and do something to make sure that regional festivals like ours get some money," said Guy-Paul Brouillette.

Duceppe said Ottawa should honour promises to help regional events. He even seemed open to the idea of Canadian flags being part of the deal, as long as there weren't too many of them.

"Between having one Canadian flag and 1,000 Canadian flags, there's quite a difference. Exactly 999."

The sponsorship program gave money to hundreds of organizations, usually in exchange for federal symbols such as Canadian flags.

It was set up by former prime minister Jean Chretien after the federalists narrowly won the 1995 Quebec referendum to promote national unity and raise Canada's profile in Quebec.

But millions of taxpayer dollars were mishandled or funnelled to Liberal friends.