Feds look to rebuild cultural and heritage industry, focus on portraying diversity
Posted May 22, 2021 3:27 pm.
Last Updated May 22, 2021 3:28 pm.
OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) — The Minister of Canadian Heritage held a meeting with his provincial and territorial counterparts to talk about the next steps needed to revitalize Canada’s heritage and culture industry.
According to a statement, this industry is a leading force economically, but most of all socially.
“In particular, performing arts, festivals and events, music venues and arts organizations continue to feel the significant impacts of the pandemic. These sectors were among the first and hardest hit, and recovery of these sectors will play an integral role in the economic and social recovery across Canada,” the statement reads.
“Through collaboration, FPT governments have helped to identify challenges and support the diverse needs of the culture and heritage sector, including recognizing the importance of supporting the culture and heritage of Indigenous peoples.”
Federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for culture and heritage discussed government leadership during COVID-19 and ways to support and rebuild the cultural sector in the wake of shutdowns and delays. pic.twitter.com/QKlHCuNEXs
— Canadian Heritage (@CdnHeritage) May 21, 2021
When it comes to rebuilding this industry, the focus was on Canada’s Indigenous peoples — saying they are looking to work closer with Indigenous organizations to provide more content that will use Indigenous languages.
“There is no better time for in-depth discussions on the issues facing our arts, culture and heritage sectors than during this annual meeting, which represents our entire country. It provides us not only with a Canada-wide overview of issues of concern shared across the country, but also with region-specific insights and success stories experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
By continuing this collaboration, our governments will help ensure Canadian sectors will be in a position to succeed in 2021,” Minister of Canadian Heritage Steven Guilbeault says in the statement.
In 2020, the industry sectors hit a GDP of $52.2 billion and over 500 thousand jobs.
