Debates of November 28, 2007 (day 4)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am a big supporter of the arts community. I really believe that arts speak to the heart and soul of the people and to our society, but arts funding all quite often isn’t maybe as shiny as maybe some of the oil and gas funding that is given out. That causes me some concern, because I think that there are many areas of our society in excitement we can represent. Arts bring in things like tourism. I think they build communities, such as personal pride and promotion. Mr. Speaker, the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre is suffering from lack of core funding that doesn’t meet the times and the needs that they are suffering from. So my question to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment at this moment is, has he had a chance to be briefed on this problem that the core funding isn’t appropriate for NACC? Is he willing to revisit that problem and see if he can address this issue? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Lafferty.

Return To Question 55-16(1): Core Funding For Northern Arts And Cultural Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the art portfolio is with Education, Culture and Employment. It is across the board in the Northwest Territories. NACC is one of the jurisdictions that we do sponsor. But there are reviews currently underway. That information will be available when it is completed. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 55-16(1): Core Funding For Northern Arts And Cultural Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the answer from the Minister, but the real question is that NACC is a territorial organization. Although, yes, it is established here in Yellowknife and for a long time quite a community organization, but they make every effort they can to get out throughout the Northwest Territories. They involve youth and culture. The fray of the complement of exciting things they pride are many, but the fact is that their funding doesn’t meet the times and the needs. Would the Minister commit to seriously evaluating this problem to make sure that we can get something early on to the business plans for our upcoming budget year? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Lafferty.

Further Return To Question 55-16(1): Core Funding For Northern Arts And Cultural Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, there is a review underway to deal with its programs and policies that support community-based cultural programs, culture and heritage organizations. Again, NACC will be one of them and across the board in the Northwest Territories. So there is a review underway. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 55-16(1): Core Funding For Northern Arts And Cultural Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate that. When can we expect this review done? Do we expect it done in a timely way so then we can look at hopefully supporting NACC in a more appropriate and more balanced way? Again, recognizing their infrastructure costs, needs and reflective of the costs and times we live in. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Lafferty.

Further Return To Question 55-16(1): Core Funding For Northern Arts And Cultural Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, this initiative and the review process all fits in with the policies and planning that we are currently discussing. That document will be produced and this will be part of the ongoing discussion as a priority for the 16th Assembly. Mahsi.