Debates of August 16, 2007 (day 11)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when we look at neighbouring jurisdictions like the Yukon, for example, we always compare ourselves to them when it comes to things like tourism and the arts, and why is it with all the richness we have here in terms of culture and traditions in the Northwest Territories, do we not put more emphasis in this government on the arts? We're going backwards when it comes to the arts in the Northwest Territories. I remember when I came to Hay River 33 years ago, you could buy season's tickets for these different events that would take place, and they would come in, like musical ensembles and we even had the Canadian Brass come into Hay River and set up on a stage in the school and perform. Now we have nothing like that. We had a Hay River Drama Society that put on fabulous shows in Hay River. We don't have that anymore. Mr. Speaker, why would this government find it necessary to turn down an application from the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre for a $50,000 expansion in their core funding that would have allowed them to enhance the performing arts and cultural activities in our communities? Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Return To Question 130-15(6): Arts And Culture Program Funding

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to make it perfectly clear that their application for increased funding has not been turned down. I think there's perhaps a lack of understanding here on the timing of how our budget process works. An application that was received by this government after the budget was passed this past spring would normally be put into the budget process for the next budget, for the next budget year, and decisions for that budget will be made, of course, by the next government because this government won't be in place to pass that budget. So the application is still in place; it would be considered.

I'd like to also make sure that Members are aware that over the past two years we have found extra money for the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre. We're aware of the deficit situation and I have advised them that we are looking for ways to help them resolve their current deficit, and their application, then, for an increase in the budget will be considered as part of the process for developing the next budget. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 130-15(6): Arts And Culture Program Funding

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that's a very generous offer on the part of the Minister, that they will look for ways to help, but why hasn't the core funding to the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre, even in light of their community emphasis and their Outreach Program, not been changed in 24 years? Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 130-15(6): Arts And Culture Program Funding

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The issue has always been one of finding adequate funds to be able to develop our programs. We're not in a situation where we have ever had excess funds that we could throw around. Over the course of this government, we have been trying to get, for instance, the pupil/teacher ratio back to where it was back in 1984. An important thing like education, this government has been struggling to be able to get back to the standards that we had 10, 15 years ago before we had substantial cuts in our funding by the federal government. So it's been a challenge for us to increase funding. However, over the past two years, the department has been able to find an extra $30,000 a year to assist the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre over and above what their core funding has been. So we're aware of the issue and where we've been able to help out, we have moved to do that. We agree that it's time to move on increasing their core funding and it will be one of the priorities that is brought forward by the department for the new government to consider.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 130-15(6): Arts And Culture Program Funding

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the point that I make…and I'd like to thank the Minister for pointing out that I don't understand the budgeting process of this government, because I have only been here 12 years but I am sure I will get on to it next term. Mr. Speaker, the fact that we are just on an ad hoc basis looking for money here and there to give to this very important initiative, will the Minister just admit that arts and performing arts and cultural activities are just not a priority to this government? Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 130-15(6): Arts And Culture Program Funding

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. No, I won't admit that. This government has invested considerable time and energy in developing an NWT Arts Strategy. After the first strategy was developed and tabled in this House, we also brought the people who helped develop it, along with others, back together to review the strategy and advise us on how to further develop it. Both ECE and ITI have, over the life of this government, increased funding into the arts; ECE specifically into the funding that goes to the NWT Arts Council. That has seen an increase during the life of this government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Final supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 130-15(6): Arts And Culture Program Funding

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister indicates that this government doesn't have money to throw around and we don't have enough time here today for getting me started on that topic, where we actually throw money around. He brings up the teacher/pupil ratio, something dear to all of our hearts, but that's still no excuse for the limited and measly, meagerly support that's gone into support for arts and culture in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, as a former colleague of ours in this House, Mr. Picco, used to say, a strategy without any funding is just a slogan, and I don't want to hear lip service paid to this important initiative. I'd like to know where's the money? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 130-15(6): Arts And Culture Program Funding

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I have said, the department has consistently over the years found money to provide extra funding to organizations like NACC and we will continue to do that. I have no doubt that the new government will find the resources to increase the funding to the arts. Thank you.