http://www.vancourier.com/Gordo+Liberals+gutted+arts+culture+funding/3883718/story.html
Some crucial excerpts from this story: (in case you are too busy to read it in full!)
"The question comes down to this: how much do we value the life of the mind, and its importance for a vibrant community?"
“Canada is one of the lowest funders on a ...per capita basis in the western world, and B.C. is by far the lowest funder of art and culture per capita in Canada...the figures range from $268 a year in the Yukon to $42 in Quebec to a miserly $10 in B.C. (But hey, at least we’re number one in child poverty.)"
"In 2008 to 2009, the premier and his inner circle cut the service plan for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts from $19.5 million to $3.7 million. An 81 per cent reduction—no other area of government saw such severe cuts."
"The premier’s desperate, pre-resignation cabinet shuffle was overlooked in this festival of bipolar politics. So we hardly noticed when the word “arts” disappeared from the changing portfolio titles. Kevin Krueger’s position as arts minister was replaced by Stephanie Cadieux’s Ministry for Community, Sport, and Cultural Development. That about says it all."
So did any of you actually KNOW that we no longer actually have an ARTS minister portfolio in BC???? We have been.. deleted!