BUDGET 2014-2015 - Press release no. 5 of 7 - Culture: A Reflection of Our Identity as Well as an Economic Engine

QUÉBEC, Feb. 20, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Québec's identity is reflected in large part in our culture. In addition to distinguishing us and enabling us to shine on the world stage, culture is a powerful economic engine. In tabling the government's 2014-2015 budget, the Minister of Finance and the Economy announced a series of measures that bear witness to the government's steadfast support for the cultural sector.

$150 million for the digital cultural strategy
For cultural organizations, the digital revolution is a crucial challenge involving adaption to new means of information and communication. To that end, the government will invest $150 million to support cultural organizations that must make the technological shift. The amounts invested will be used, in particular, to replace existing equipment with digital equipment.

The digital cultural strategy will be made public shortly by the Minister of Culture and Communications.

Securing the future of the Mécénat Placements Culture program
In October 2013, the Minister of Culture and Communications announced the enhancement of the Mécénat Placements Culture program. This initiative was in response to one of the recommendations of the Task Force on Cultural Philanthropy, chaired by Pierre Bourgie, whose report was tabled last June.

"To meet many of the funding needs of cultural organizations, $5 million a year in revenue from the specific tax on tobacco will henceforward be allocated to this program to ensure its continuity," Minister Marceau declared.

Funding maintained for the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal
The government confirms that it will renew the agreement between the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications and Loto-Québec, for the funding of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. The details of the agreement will be unveiled shortly by the Minister of Culture and Communications.

Steadfast support for the funding of cultural infrastructure
In the past weeks, several announcements were made for the funding of cultural infrastructure. For instance, the Premier recently kicked off the project to expand the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal, a project that will receive a government contribution of $18.9 million.

The government granted $30 million to Robert Lepage's Théâtre Le Diamant project in Québec City. Government assistance will be provided to bring the Chapelle historique du Bon-Pasteur up to standard so that it can be reopened to the public. "A contribution of $20 million will be granted for the construction of the cultural complex in Longueuil," Minister Marceau announced.

Support for reading, books and booksellers
The government recently stated its position respecting the debate on the selling price of books. In this regard, it will table a bill governing the price of new print and digital books.

This measure will help to protect Québec's identity and culture, in addition to supporting a sector of the cultural industry on which depend 12 000 jobs and annual benefits of nearly $800 million.

"The foundation of Québec's identity, a tool that enables us to shine on the world stage and an important activity sector that creates jobs and wealth, culture plays an essential role in Québec's development," Minister Marceau stated.

SOURCE: Cabinet du ministre des Finances et de l'Économie

Mélanie Malenfant
Assistant Chief of Staff and Press Relations Officer
Office of the Minister of Finance and the Economy
418 643-5270 or 514 873-5363