The Writers' Union of Canada : Press Release

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March 30, 2007

Press Release

WRITERS DISAPPOINTED BY FEDERAL BUDGET’S MODEST
RE-INVESTMENT IN THE ARTS

The Writers’ Union of Canada has expressed disappointment with the federal budget’s modest reinvestment in the arts.

“With this budget, the federal government has indicated that it has begun to recognize that funding the arts in Canada is a win-win situation. But it has nonetheless failed to re-instate cuts by the Department of Foreign Affairs for cultural programs abroad or to enhance funding for the Public Lending Right program,” said Ron Brown, Chair of the Writers’ Union. “Such omissions demonstrate that this government still has not fully appreciated Canadian writers’ contribution to culture and to the Canadian economy. Not only does Canada’s arts community help to celebrate the culture of the country but helps its economy as well,” said Brown.

Union members, including Margaret Atwood, Scott Griffin and Harry Thurston, have met with ministers and staff of the Harper government in the past few months to discuss the cultural and financial gains Canadians enjoy when the government promotes Canadian artists to foreign audiences. At these meetings, Mr. Harper’s ministers acknowledged this value. Today’s budget sends a different message, says the Union.

“Governments at all levels need to recognize the importance of funding the arts in Canada and abroad,” added Brown. “Every dollar spent on the arts returns $8 to the Canadian economy,” he said. “Arts in this country is an industry greater than mining farming and forestry combined.”

Over the past year the Writers’ Union has urged the government to improve its support of the arts, and has expressed its disappointment over cuts to arts programs and literacy funding both in Canada and overseas.

The Writers' Union of Canada is our national organization representing professional authors of books. Founded in 1973, the Union is dedicated to fostering writing in Canada, and promoting the rights, freedoms, and economic well being of all writers. For more information, visit www.writersunion.ca.

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For additional information
Deborah Windsor, Executive Director
The Writers� Union of Canada
416. 703.8982 Ext. 221
dwindsor@writersunion.ca