Province to study Manitoba’s cultural sector

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This article was published 23/03/2017 (2195 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The province is launching a “detailed” review of Manitoba’s cultural sector — the first such assessment in more than a quarter-century — to guide future government decision-making

Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Rochelle Squires said the review will assist the government in updating its cultural policies.

“Forms of cultural expression that didn’t exist 25 years ago are flourishing, while other cultural sectors are struggling to adapt to the impact of a digital world,” she said.

“I’m really anxious to hear from all Manitobans throughout the province regarding how they view culture,” she told reporters. “I want to hear from culture consumers and culture creators on where they think this industry should go and what government’s role should (be).”

Four months before last spring’s provincial election, the former NDP government announced a year-long review of the cultural and creative industries. That process stalled with the change in government.

Now, the Pallister government is picking up the baton. Squires noted the Progressive Conservatives promised such a review during the election.

Over the next three months, the province will host community meetings and forums and meet individually with cultural groups and arts organizations.

Squires said arts and culture sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in the provincial economy, representing 2.9 per cent of Manitoba’s gross domestic product. It’s also responsible for about 22,000 jobs.

“That is very significant. And this is a sector that we definitely want to grow,” she said.

Asked what the government’s response will be if arts and culture groups ask for more funding, Squires said Manitobans understand the fiscal restraints on government right now. The provincial deficit for the past year is estimated at $872 million.

She said the PCs were elected “to fix the economy.” They also want to curb the migration of Manitobans moving to other provinces in search of opportunities.

“If we don’t have people living in Manitoba, if we don’t have people putting down roots and wanting to stay in Manitoba, it’s very unlikely that we’re going to have more people coming to ‘play,’ if you will, in Manitoba.”

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca