CCA Bulletin 20/10 - The Long-Form Census Controversy and the Arts

Just the Facts
On June 26, as Canadians were focused on the G-8 and G-20 meetings in Toronto, the government discretely announced its decision that the long-form census would no longer be compulsory. The census, which is sent every five years by Statistics Canada to a fifth of Canadian households, would be replaced by a voluntary survey of a full third of Canadian households. The short version of the national census, which contains only eight questions, remains compulsory and protected by the Constitution.

Statistics Canada was not consulted on this decision but simply asked to provide alternative solutions, none of which, they recognize, will provide the same quantity and quality of information. While no solution can adequately compensate for the change in methodology, the extended voluntary Household Survey will cost Statistics Canada an estimated $ 30 million more to administer a system which all statisticians describe as faulty. (more)

CCA Bulletin 19/10 - What are the Department of Canadian Heritage's Priorities for 2010-11?

The Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA) is still working on its detailed Analysis of the 2010 federal budget, which is delayed as we wait for answers from the government on a number of issues.

As part of its Budget Analysis on arts, culture and heritage, the CCA examines the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Report on Plans and Priorities published in the spring. This document is the expenditure plan for the Department. It provides details on priorities, human resource requirements, major capital projects, grants and contributions, and net program costs. As such, this document reflects the intentions of the Department to take action on certain files, and presents a comprehensive examination of the Department’s priorities, program architecture and management structures. (more)

What are your thoughts on the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Report on Plans and Priorities? Comment below.

CCA Bulletin 18/10 - Arts, Culture and a National Digital Strategy

In a brief filed as part of the nation-wide consultation launched last May, the Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA) urges the government to make content creation a centrepiece of the national strategy for the digital economy. The consultation, which was due to end on July 9, has been extended to July 13, midnight.

The CCA’s fundamental approach to a national strategy is based on the belief that infrastructure, wires, cables and corporations will not be enough to sustain a robust digital economy, let alone a vibrant digital society, if content creators are not included in this strategy. Canada’s digital economy relies on the expertise of its creative workers. Their content creation must be encouraged by a national strategy, protected by regulations, supported by appropriate training and distributed on as many digital platforms as possible. (more)

What are your priorities for the national digital strategy? Comment below!