CCA Bulletin 13/11 - Federal Election 2011: What to ask your local candidates (Part 1)

The Canadian Conference of the Arts’ main mandate - one that has been financially supported by the federal government for over 40 years - is to contribute to an informed public debate on cultural issues,. In keeping with this mandate and in order to assist Canadians interested in learning about how arts and culture are being discussed during the 2011 electoral campaign, the CCA has identified six broad areas of importance for artists, creators, cultural institutions and industries. The CCA has developed a set of questions pertaining to each issue. These questions can be presented to candidates when they come knocking at your door or during larger debates.

Today’s bulletin includes the first of two doorstep kits the CCA will publish. The questions we have put forth touch on three important issues facing the arts and culture sector in Canada. The topics raised question: 1) the role of the federal government in fostering a creative digital economy; 2) the role of culture and arts in international diplomacy; and 3) fiscal measures to support the growth of the sector.  Each set of questions is preceded by a short backgrounder on the issue. We encourage you to disseminate the responses you receive, either in writing or in a public forum.

These questions have also been sent to the leaders of each political party. As is made clear in the CCA’s Federal Election Rules of Engagement, the CCA will present an analysis of the positions of each federal party as they affect the interests of Canadians with regards to arts, culture and heritage. The CCA will not endorse any candidate or political party. The decision to cast a ballot is the right and duty of every Canadian citizen, who can form their judgments on an individual basis. (more)