CCA Bulletin 19/11 - The cultural sector and the new Conservative cabinet

Just the Facts

On May 2, 2011, Canadians went to the polls and elected a Conservative majority, the first majority government in seven years. On Wednesday, May 18, the first cabinet under the 41st Parliament was sworn in at Rideau Hall, the residence of the Governor General of Canada. The new cabinet is comprised of 38 ministers, with nine new faces and 10 women.

On June 2, Parliamentarians will convene for a first time to elect the new Speaker of the House of Commons. Parliament will officially open the next day, Friday, June 3, with the speech from the throne. The speech will deal with the immediate priorities of the government. The 2011-12 budget, which could not be adopted because of the election, is expected to be reintroduced on June 6. The session will likely be prorogued soon after the budget has been adopted, meaning Parliament would reopen with a new speech from the throne in early fall.

In this bulletin, we look at the ministers who will be responsible for the files of direct importance to the arts, culture and heritage sector. (more)

CCA bulletin 18/11 - Participate in the 2011 census and the National Household Survey!

Just the facts

In addition to being federal election day, Monday marked the debut of the 2011 mandatory short-form census.  On May 2, 2011, the eight-question document began to make its way by mail to approximately 15 million households across the country.  According to the Statistics Act, all Canadian residents are legally required to complete the census questionnaire. The census questionnaire can be completed online or on paper. To complete the forms online, Canadians will need the secure access code located at the top of the letter or paper questionnaire.

Approximately four weeks after the mandatory short-form census, some 4.5 million Canadian households will also receive the new National Household Survey (NHS). The voluntary NHS has replaced the mandatory long-form census questionnaire after a controversial decision by the  government in June 2010. If you receive the NHS, it is very important that you complete this voluntary survey in full! (more)