Though not so much a culture war as a culture spat, the ruckus raised during the election over Ottawa’s role in the arts makes us wonder if things will be different with the 40th Parliament. So we ask:

‘What happens now?’

We have seen the writing on the wall, and while we are still producing here at home in Canada, last year we opened a U.S.-based office in L.A. and are now developing and producing shows entirely in the U.S. I believe that, unfortunately, some smaller production companies will not be able to do this.
Sandy Jesion,
CFO, Muse Entertainment

During the campaign, the opposition parties supported many of the policies ACTRA has endorsed. We’re looking forward to working with the opposition parties in the coming months to get these commitments on the parliamentary agenda and make them a reality.
Richard Hardacre,
National president, ACTRA

The political deck didn’t shuffle much during the last election, so part of me believes that we’ll see more of the same… I worry about training and professional development programs like the NSI and the Canadian Film Centre.
Adam Garnet Jones
Director, A Small Thing

I don’t think the Tories will risk further turmoil in the arts, film or TV sector. It cost them a lot already in Quebec, so I think they must have learned something.
Nicholas Kinsey,
Producer, Killing Ruth

Corporate sponsorship regulations on behalf of certain broadcasters will need to be relaxed in order to provide a supplemental source of revenue for the independent producer.
Mark Terry,
President, Polar Cap Productions

Plus ça change… The struggle for support and recognition of Canadian arts will continue until we have a government that sees the enormous value of cultural self-expression.
Damian Kindler,
Creator/executive producer/writer, Sanctuary

I’m looking for a very speedy renewal of the CTF.
Maureen Parker,
Executive director, Writers Guild of Canada