As the Government has rightly noted, this is a time for vigour, vision, national pride, resourcefulness, and strategically catalyzing private sector investment. Business / Arts is uniquely positioned to further these goals within the cultural sector, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss these recommendations with the Committee in greater detail.

Business / Arts has put forth the following recommendations

1. Recognize that culture is a critical national resource, and invest strategically to catalyze Canada’s global influence, domestic resilience, and cross-sector collaboration through three key areas:

• Allocate a permanent annual increase of $140 million to the Canada Council for the Arts
• Prioritize cultural infrastructure funding within the Build Communities Strong Fund
• Expand the Canada Strong Pass to urban and rural communities across Canada

2. Invest in a robust HR strategy for the cultural sector to address critical labour shortages and stimulate generational renewal. Specifically:

• Implement the Live Performing Arts Tax Accelerator to boost employment
• Create skilled trades incentives and supports for cultural workers
• Support succession strategies to ensure a strong Canadian talent pipeline for the leadership of major cultural institutions
• Accelerate the reform of the Employment Income framework to better reflect the realities of artistic and cultural work

Business / Arts’ 2026 Pre-Budget Submission