Ottawa: $10 million in support for performing arts workers affected by pandemic

Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez announces $10 million for performing artists across Canada. (Angela Mackenzie/CTV News)

Ottawa announced another round of funding for the performing arts community on Friday, which has yet to regain the strength it had pre-pandemic.

 

Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez, announced $10 million for all of Canada, including $2 million for Quebec. Some cross-Canada organizations are receiving funds that will also benefit Quebec.

 

The money is to be used to fund 59 projects, led by organizations that assist self-employed workers in the live performance sector.

 

These projects may include legal assistance, career transition assistance, financial management or mental health support, for example.

 

The $10 million comes from a $60 million fund, the first $50 million of which has already been distributed, Rodriguez said at a press conference.

 

The cultural sector was particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

"Today, in general, in terms of GDP, the cultural sector has recovered, is back to where it was before the pandemic. But for the performing arts, the GDP is still at 60% of what it was before the pandemic," said Rodriguez.

 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Oct. 14 in French.