CLMA Responds to 2023 Federal Budget
Federal “Austerity” Budget Sees Minimal Support for Live Music
March 28, 2023 - (Ottawa, ON) – Regrettably, today’s Federal Budget held little good news for live music. One bright spot - budget 2023 proposes to provide $14.0 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, for the Department of Canadian Heritage to support the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) program. Additionally, the Tourism Growth Strategy spending proposes to provide $108 million over 3 years, starting in 2023-24, to the Regional Development Agencies to support communities, small businesses, and non-profit organizations in developing local projects and events. The budget also includes lower credit card transactional fees for small businesses up to 27%, and cutting the planned increase of the federal excise tax on beverage alcohol from 6% to 2%.
The CLMA will continue to unpack the details and look for opportunities for live music business and organizations and keep the community apprised.
“While the $14M proposed for the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) program is much needed and most welcome, it’s disappointing that the Government chose not to better leverage the power and potential live music lends to the Canadian economy and Canadian culture by increasing the Canada Arts Presentation and Canada Music Funds specifically.” said Erin Benjamin, President & CEO of the CLMA. “We understand the myriad of complex pressures faced by the government today, however we maintain—and have demonstrated—that our industry is an important part of the solution, especially at this point in recovery. We await greater detail regarding the Tourism Growth Strategy and hope it holds promise for local festivals and events. Our artists, fans, ecosystem, and Canadian economy depend on our long-term sustainability, growth, and success. There is more work to be done. But today, I would like to personally thank the hundreds of CLMA members, broader music community and all voices who worked hard, together, to champion key messages aimed at amplifying investments, shifting policy, and strengthening Canada’s incredible live music industry.”
The full budget document can be reviewed here in English, and in French here.