Petition to Restore Arts Funding and the Indigenous Culture Fund at the Ontario Arts Council
TO THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO:
Whereas the Ontario government has cut its level of base funding to the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) by $5 million for the 2018-2019 fiscal year, from $69.9 million to $64.9 million;
Whereas the Ontario government has also cut its funding to the Indigenous Culture Fund (ICF) at the OAC by $2.25 million from $5 million to $2.75 million;
Whereas the ICF will not accept new grant applications this year while the program is under review, entailing the layoff of Indigenous staff in permanent positions;
Whereas the arts are essential to the quality of life, cultural identity, social and community well-being, creativity, innovation, and economic prosperity of Ontario;
Whereas the ICF was part of the Ontario government's response to the Call to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada;
Whereas the ICF supported traditional culture, languages, teachings, protocols, knowledge, youth and Elder-led and engaged community cultural projects;
Therefore, we the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to:
a) restore OAC's funding to $69.9 million this year and maintain this level moving forward,
b) restore the ICF's funding to $5 million this year, retain all ICF staff positions, and commit to funding the ICF at this level in the years moving forward.