2025 Pre-Budget Submission
Budget 2024 was about Fairness for Every Generation. There is no other sector that brings different generations together and fosters a sense of belonging, empathy, and understanding, in the way that Canada’s cultural sector does. The arts create space for dialogue and inclusion, they provide places for connection outside of work and home, and they provide hope for the future.
The cultural sector is also a strong economic generator, providing over 835,000 jobs, a vast majority of which are filled by women and racialized Canadians. At a time when Canadians are struggling under immense pressures, it is critical for our cultural sector to remain accessible, vibrant, and resilient. Now, more than ever, Canada needs to invest in policies that will stimulate a more sustainable arts, culture and heritage sector, while providing a profound return on investment to the Canadian economy and also contributing to the well-being of our society.
Business / Arts has put forth the following recommendations
- Renew funding for artsvest – a national program that has operated since 2005 and currently provides skills training to 600+ arts and culture organizations in 176 federal ridings
- Utilize smart tax levers to stimulate philanthropic activity and boost investment in the arts and culture sector
- To encourage giving among high-net worth donors and corporations, we recommend the elimination of the capital gains tax on donations of private company shares and real estate to registered charities.
- To encourage giving among younger and less affluent donors, we urge the government to create a national matching program that doubles the impact of their donations.
- To encourage volunteerism, we recommend the Federal government explore how a tax credit for volunteers could stimulate citizens to consider giving-back to their local communities via the gift of their time.
- Permanently allocate 1% of government spending towards arts, culture and heritage, as recommended by the Canadian Arts Coalition
