Cuts to Specialized Music Grants --- PETITION

James Moore and Harper's ofice have made yet another ill-informed cut to the arts. And once again, this one cuts at the knees.

In what is becoming a trend in cultural funding decisions, this cut was made without any consultation with the cultural community to determine whether it is shortsighted, which it is. Grants for Specialized Music Sound Recording and Grants for Specialized Music Distribution fund non commercial/musically adventurous recordings made in Canada.

Art cannot always be quantified in pecuniary terms. Innovation breaks new ground, expanding the conceptual territory from which pop/commercially viable music mines its "new", and ultimately popular sounds. Non-commercial musicians lay the groundwork for the eventual norm. This exchange is centuries-old.

As is widely recognized, art makes people smarter, more efficient, more adaptable, more creative... Canada's cultural activity generates an active and fertile economy, and influences the overall economy in ways which are indisputable and extensive. These facts are fully documented. Every walk of Canadian life is enriched by the innovations of Canada's commercially "nonviable" artists, whether the masses know/appreciate it or not.

Etcetera etcetera...

I just returned from the United States of America, where I observed - first hand and in multiple contexts - the collective celebration and support of art and innovation. Who would have thought that we might find ourselves looking southward in envy.

What does Stephen "Piano Man" Harper have against artists and the making of art? What's his plan?

If our voices are loud and strong enough, we can stop the flagrant unravelling of our social fabric, the blurring of our cultural identity, the walmartification of our very Canadianness. No Culture = No Canada.

Read the petition, and sign your name if you are concerned.

http://www.petitiononlinecom/a6y3L9eR/

Thanks as always for your consideration, and for allowing this intrusion.
- RC

++++++++++++++++++

You can stop there, but if you want to know more, and/or hear what others are thinking -
RC has offers...

• a note about the cuts from Russell Kelly (head of music), and program information from the Canada Council. This explains the context in which this musical activity takes place.
• quotes from fellow signatories
• media reports

(all without permission, but with respect)

++++++++++++++++++

From the Canada Council website:

On July 31, 2009, the Department of Canadian Heritage (PCH) announced that, as of April 1, 2010, the $1.3 million administered by the Canada Council for the Arts under the Canadian Musical Diversity Component of the Canada Music Fund on behalf of PCH since 2001 will be reallocated to the redesigned Canada Music Fund. As a result, the Canada Council Grants for Specialized Music Sound Recording and Grants for Specialized Music Distribution programs will no longer exist as of April 1, 2010.

The Music Section of the Canada Council for the Arts had been administering recording funds on behalf of PCH since the late 1980’s. This funding has benefited numerous artists, ensembles and groups and produced many recordings of artistic and cultural significance. The distribution function was added in 2002 and assisted specialized music labels and distributors to promote their catalogues.

The October 1, 2009, deadline will be the last deadline for the Canada Council Grants for Specialized Music Sound Recording program. All eligibility criteria will apply as usual. The final deadline for the Grants for Specialized Music Distribution program was May 15, 2009.

Russell Kelley
Head, Music
Canada Council for the Arts
10 September 2009

=============

Grants for Specialized Music Sound Recording and Grants for Specialized Music Distribution:

The Canada Council for the Arts administers this program on behalf of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Funds for this program are provided by the Canadian Musical Diversity Program of the Canada Music Fund.

This program supports the recording of Canadian “specialized music” by Canadian artists, ensembles, bands, record companies and independent producers. Its purpose is to ensure that a diversity of artistically driven Canadian music is produced and is available to the public.

Not all forms of music are eligible for support from this program.

“Specialized music” is defined as music whose intent or content is not shaped by the desire for wide market appeal—instead, it places creativity, self-expression or experimentation above the demands and format expectations of the mainstream recording industry. Specialized music has significance beyond being just entertainment, and it is usually found in the parallel market and alternative distribution systems.

Specialized music is primarily artistic in intent. It is understood that the definition of specialized music is changeable, depending on current public tastes and the resulting market share of various musical genres. Therefore, forms of music eligible for support through this program may change over time.

Eligible practices include, but are not limited to:

• contemporary Canadian composition or songwriting in classical music of any world culture, new music (as defined in the Music Section’s New Music Program), jazz and musique actuelle, electroacoustic, folk, world music, and Canadian Aboriginal music
• original interpretations of traditional music, where the applicant is significantly interpreting or arranging existing works
• fusion of specialized music and spoken word, where the music is as or more important than the text.
  

Individual applicants must have completed their basic training and be recognized as professional artists by other artists working in the same artistic tradition. They should also have demonstrated commitment to the development of their craft and career through ongoing career activity, and have a history of public presentation of at least three years. Basic training may include training provided by a post-secondary academic institution, and may also include mentorships, private instruction, workshops, and periods of self-study.

Ensembles, groups and bands must be made up of professional artists.

Managers or agents applying on behalf of an artist or ensemble, group or band must provide evidence of authorization to submit the application, such as a letter of agreement or management contract. Leaders of ensembles, groups or bands are not required to submit evidence of authorization.

Record companies applying on behalf of artists must submit copies of articles of incorporation as well as letters of agreement or contracts with the artist they plan to record. The letters or contracts must indicate royalty arrangements and contractual details.

This Canada Council for the Arts program is accessible to Aboriginal artists and artists of diverse cultural and regional communities of Canada.

Individual artists and ensembles may submit only one application under their own name to this program per fiscal year (1 April to 31 March). Record companies and independent producers may submit more than one application per year, but they may apply on behalf a particular artist only once per year. Please note that applications by record companies or producers on behalf of artists or ensembles that have already applied in a given fiscal year will be disqualified.

Ineligible Applicants
Non-Canadian artists or entities may not benefit directly from this program. Projects including non-Canadian artists may be eligible for this program if the majority of artists in the project are Canadian and a Canadian artist provides the artistic leadership. However, costs related to the participation of non-Canadians are not eligible expenses and should be reported separately from the budget, on a separate sheet of paper.

At least 50 percent of the running time of the proposed recording project must be Canadian-composed music or Canadian interpretations of traditional music.

All elements of the project, from recording to manufacturing to launch, must take place in Canada. If the album is released through a label, the label must be at least 51 percent Canadian-owned.

Music that is created to meet current market expectations and for which an established music industry infrastructure exists are ineligible for support through this program. Ineligible music currently includes such genres as:

• pop, rock, heavy metal, country, adult contemporary and new age
• urban music, including rap, r & b, soul, new soul, hip hop, garage, soca and reggae
• electronica, including house, techno, down tempo, commercial dance, drum and bass, electro, jungle, ambient and trance
• commercial forms of folk, jazz, world music, Aboriginal music, children’s music, classical music and gospel.

Recordings created as fundraising projects are not eligible for support from this program.

This program funds the following types of costs:

• recording costs, including studio expenses and artistic fees for the principal performers, producer and guest artists
• production costs, including editing, mixing and mastering
• post-production costs, including package design, liner notes and artwork
• manufacture of 1,000 units
• some initial marketing expenses.

=============

I strongly disagree with your decision to cut funding from the Canada Council (CAC), even if you plan to reallocate the money to other institutions. Support for creative artists is vital to the culture of Canada. The CAC is best suited to administer programs such as the Recording Grant for Specialised Music because it is focused on supporting art, not commerce. Other institutions, such as FACTOR, primarily serve the commercial music industry and cannot provide the function of meeting the needs of artists. Please reconsider your decision to reallocate this funding and reinstate the current program.

Nothing good comes without artistic creation -- it is the lifeblood that fuels the curious explorers within a progressive society. To deny any part of artistic discovery is to slow the blood to the heart of a progressive and healthy society and environment. To deny it, in our particular case, will eventually decimate the uniqueness of Canadianism.

This, from June 26, 2009: "The cultural sector needs stability in this time of economic uncertainty. With ongoing investments by our Government, artists and arts organizations can plan their activities for the longer term and continue to create, produce, and present innovative works that will make Canadians proud," said Minister Moore... Is this irony, or just this Government's interminable mendacity?

This bill will kill small music production at the root where our unique Canadian voice is developed. I strongly disagree with this legislation.

Misters Moore and Harper, what is it that you have against the Arts and Canadians?

I am a jazz enthusiast and much of the music I purchase has been supported by Canadian Recording Arts Grants. The artistic community in Canada is extremely rich and diverse; it is elements such as this that make me proud to be Canadian. It pains me to know that our government does not want to support the cornucopia of talent that Canada is blessed with.

Just for a minute, Mr. Minister, imagine your world without music, paintings, movies, live shows or TV entertainment by singers, actors, musicians, dancers, writers. Then you might understand why Canada has to give more financial support to the Arts Council and its artistic community in general.

Home grown music is essential to the survival of our culture. Do not cut this grant, my vote depends on it.

=============

By phum Tue, Sep 8 2009
Jazzblog.ca

As this Vancouver Sun story relates, the Canada Council's grants for Specialized Music Sound Recording and Specialized Music Sound Distribution will cease to exist in April 2010.

The long-standing programs provide more than $1 million annually in support of:

• contemporary Canadian composition or songwriting in classical music of any world culture, new music (as defined in the Music Section’s New Music Program), jazz and musique actuelle, electroacoustic, folk, world music, and Canadian Aboriginal music
• original interpretations of traditional music, where the applicant is significantly interpreting or arranging existing works
• fusion of specialized music and spoken word, where the music is as or more important than the text.

In recent years, with respect to jazz, between 30 and 40 recordings would be funded annually. Most received grants ranging between $10,000 and $20,000. I must disclose that this year, I applied for a Council grant for sound recording, but did not receive one.

Jazz musicians who have recently received recording grants include Toronto saxophonist Jane Bunnett, Toronto bassist Brandi Disterheft (both have won Junos for their discs), Ottawa drummer Mike Essoudry, and Vancouver pianist Amanda Tosoff. Small record labels have also benefitted from the program, including the Vancouver-based label, Songlines.

The elimination of the grants was in fact made public July 31, when Heritage Minister James Moore announced that the Canada Music Fund would be restructured. According to this CBC story, the CMF's value is to increase, with its other components increasing while the Canadian Musical Diversity program is axed.

Moore's spokeswoman Stephanie Rea told the Vancouver Sun that the restructuring is “just a streamlining of everything. We are giving more access through this fund for digital market development, international market development and expanded eligibility for small entrepreneurial artists and labels. This will promote innovation and [create] more business opportunities online and internationally.”

However, those who have benefitted from the the Specialized Music Sound Recording program contend that the restructuring is simply another blow to the arts from the Harper government. There was much hubbub on Facebook this weekend, from jazz musicians across the country:

Montreal drummer and bandleader Thom Gossage wrote:

"The latest move by the Harper government (to eliminate the Canada Council specialized sound recording grant) only confirms the most cynical view of his lack of understanding and open disdain for the arts, in this case music.

"The Canada Council mandate encourages art from a broad spectrum of styles and regions of the country, it bases its criterion [sic] for acceptance not solely on commercial guidelines but more importantly on the quality of the applicants, producing work that is internationally respected.

"The fact that funds will be re-directed to digital distribution is an insult to the intelligence of everyone in this country. How can you promote music online if it hasn't been recordedin the first place. Specialized sound recording enables a broad spectrum of music to be represented of a high standard, it allows musicians to sell their music at shows and it also allows for the minimal cost of digital distribution."

Winnipeg pianist Michelle Gregoire commented:

"Specialized recordings make the entire industry grow. Quality, artistry, diversity affects commercial music just as well."

Canadian saxophonist/composer Christine Jensen wrote:

"It is a minute amount of money in the grand scheme of Canadian tax $$'s. This whole cut goes against the Canada Council mandate. They try to cover it up by saying they will support int'l touring. how the heck are you going to tour without a quality recording representing artistic excellence? (the whole thing stinks and reminds me of that survey CC ... Read Morehad us do a while back). I can't talk to badly of FACTOR as they have supported my work, but it is a completely different system based on marketing. Creative music has a hard time fitting their bill. Time to rally and protest..."

Montreal bassist Patrick Reid feels the same way, as you'll see from the e-mail that he sent to me and many others yesterday:

The Canada Council's recording grant program has been cut ... This is incredibly saddening and disheartening news for the creative arts in Canada and its supporters. The majority of Canada's library of creative music was made possible by this program and the future of its production of new creative music is uncertain at best. Small record labels and non-profits that work relentlessly to distribute our creative outputs will have an incredibly difficult time surviving without it.

This program was the main way that artistically motivated/non-commercial recordings were possible in Canada. Recordings are the only way for musicians to document their work and now this will no longer be supported by the only federal organization that promotes art for art's sake in Canada. This is by far the largest blow to music that has taken place since the Conservative regime started their crusade against Canadian culture. This news went completely under the radar mid-summer and I only began to here about it as a scary rumour last week. Unfortunately it is very true. Aside from money that was cut from this program, even more funding from the Canada Council is being redirected into the more commercially driven sectors of music listed below. Where that money will go is ambiguous at best.

Hopefully, now that the word is spreading there will be a major protest. Unfortunately, as history demonstrates, once a program is cut it is far more difficult to have it reinstated. It will take a huge collective effort from artists, supporters, press, entrepreneurs and others combined to give us a fighting chance. With a possible impending election this fall, now would be the most opportune time to create a national uproar.

This e-mail is my initial and immediate reaction to get the ball rolling. I will be on this trying to collect the masses in all the ways that I can but please spread the word far and wide. Thanks.

Yours truly,
Patrick Reid

UPDATE: I just cracked open my mail, which brought two CDs bearing the logo of the Canada Council for the Arts' insignia: Amor, from singer Amanda Martinez, and The Breathing of Statues from Gordon Grdina's East Van Strings, on the Songlines label.

=============

By phum Tue, Sep 15 2009 Jazzblog.ca

An online petition has just sprouted up to protest the cancellation of the Canada Council for the Arts' grants in support of jazz, folk, world, and Aboriginal music recordings. (I wrote about the axing of the $1.3 million Canadian Music Diversity Fund here.)

I've checked the petition a few times this morning, and seen it grow from 587 names to 800 in less than two hours. I recognize more than a few of the signatories, including Ottawa drummers Jesse Stewart and Rory McGill; pianists David Ryshpan, Ali Berkok, John Sadowy and Steve Holt; drummers Jerry Granelli, Jonathan McCaslin, Nick Fraser, Bernie Arai and Barry Romberg; saxophonists from across the country including Kelly Jefferson, Steve Kaldestad and Evan Arntzen. I could go on and on.

=============

Some signers have also included their comments. They include:

Roberto Occchipinti
A misguided, idealogy driven decision. The governments's own study shows a return of a ratio of 2 to 1 for every dollar invested in the arts. This is one of the few programs that the artist receives the funds directly by a jury of peers. What is the rationale for cutting the program ?

Tara Davidson
This recording grant is vital and necessary to facilitate the production of non-commercial Canadian music. Numerous recordings made through the funding of this grant were JUNO nominated or winning recordings. If these non-commercial genres of music (and let's face it, that's most everything besides rock and pop) do not have funding opportunities, the music and the community will suffer. The consequences of this are enormous. It affects a broad community of people and this ripples outwards to the popular music community as well. Culture in this country is suffering at the hands of short-sighted and uninformed government cuts.

Jesse Zubot
arts & culture is the basis to our society. Without this grant only commercial music will exist in Canada. Canada will become a laughing stock on the international scene for arts. Music is medicine. If only commercial is being made, that will be the same as only harmful pharmaceutical drugs existing to heal. Creative music should be looked at in the same vein as herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy and other natural forms of healing. Can you imagine the world without classical music. Well that was the creative music of it's time, when it was developed.... Without this grant no new forms of music will be created in Canada and we will become closer and closer to only having candy coated formula product by the likes of Nickelback, Shania Twain, Hedley and others existing in this country. What a depressed nation we would be.

Jordan O'Connor
Artists are not the enemy and Art is not the problem. Why do we let politicians gut cultural programs when they are duty bound to affirm all citizens and promote diversity of expression? It is not their job to treat “culture” as a political schism, pitting people against one another in a clandestine attempt to split ridings and “win” elections. And it is not their job to limit the capacity of the business of Art at any stage, in research and development right through to the final product. This is business, period. Tens of thousands of people are employed, directly and indirectly across the country as a result of the work by Artists. So the decision to further cut funding to the Arts is a condemnation of small business, which is what we artists are, small business people. And when we are asked, what is Canadian culture we will say, culture isn’t something we fund and it isn’t something we grow and develop as a nation, rather it’s something we import.

Yvette Tollar
Cutting this specific program is a direct attack on the jugular of the independent music industry. I fear it is just the beginning of a series of sucker punches that will cripple Canada's beautiful and vibrant musical landscape that has been nurtured so carefully by the Canada Council since the late 1980's. Artists who record aboriginal music, jazz, children's, world music and folk are just some of the genres who will be left with little or no chance at funding. Leaving artists with no CD's will mean hardship for 1000's of Canadians whose livelihood depends on music festivals, and tourism that so often revolve around the music that has been attacked by this ultra conservative + uncultured government. What a terrible lack of foresight.

John Sadowy
The Recording Grant for Specialized Music is vital to preserving and promoting diversity on the Canadian artistic landscape. Cutting this program will effectively silence countless unique Canadian voices. Our country's place in the global artistic community is at stake, as are the livelihoods of the thousands of individuals at various levels of artistic production. The decision to cut this program was extremely short-sighted and misguided. I urge you to reinstate the Recording Grant for Specialized Music.

=============

Moore restructuring Canada Music Fund
Friday, July 31, 2009
CBC News

Heritage Minister James Moore has announced an increase in the Canada Music Fund, the federal government's main fund to support the music industry, but changes are coming in the way the fund distributes its money.

Two programs have been eliminated but the five remaining programs will see more money under the new plan, announced in Montreal on Friday. Moore said the changes will direct more money to digital platforms, but he could provide few details.

Its funding will be increased by $9.85 million annually to $27.6 million a year until 2014, he said.

"We are also ensuring that a wide variety of Canadian music is accessible on multiple platforms, increasing the reach of our artists both in Canada and abroad," Moore said in a statement.

The programs eliminated were:

• Canadian Musical Diversity: This fund, administered through the Canada Council for the arts, went to indie music makers under a sound recording program and a specialized music distribution program.
• Support to Sector Associations: This program, administered by Canadian Heritage, provided up to $250,000 annually to industry associations

The musical diversity program distributes about $1.35 million annually, mainly to artists who kept control of their own copyright, and some of that funding has been redirected.

The new program areas include:

• $900,000 for digital market development, in a fund aimed at music entrepreneurs and businesses.
• $500,000 for international market development, which will support international showcases that help Canada artists make international connection

Canadian musicians could be expected to welcome news of the international development program since they were among the artists hurt by last year's cancellation of PromArt, which provided grants so emerging artists could tour.

Expanding eligibility to professionals, such as managers and distributors who work in digital technologies, seems to be among the thrusts of the new development.

The Canadian Music Fund will continue to fund existing programs administered by:

• FACTOR: the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent On Recordings, an independent organization that provides grants for new Canadian artists to tour and record.
• SOCAN: Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada, which provides grants for cultural festivals and new works.
• MusicAction Foundation: a non-profit organization that supports the marketing and promotion of francophone music.

The announcement from Canadian Heritage did not say how the money would be distributed among the five programs remaining under the fund. Calls to the ministers office seeking clarification were not returned.

The changes take effect in April 2010.

PROTEST HARPER AGENDA on Tues., May 19! , WINNIPEG

STEVEN HARPER IS COMING TO WINNIPEG: LET'S GIVE HIM A REAL WINNIPEG LABOUR WELCOME!

Host: WORKING PEOPLE DIDN'T CAUSE THIS CRISIS AND WE WON'T PAY FOR IT!
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Victoria Inn
Street: Wellington & Berry, near the airport
City/Town: Winnipeg, MB
Phone: 204.792.3371
Email: winnipeglabourdefenceleague@gmail.com

STEVEN HARPER IS COMING TO WINNIPEG: RALLY AGAINST THE HARPER GOVERNMENT, Tues., May 19th: Be There!

An injury to one is an injury to all!

winnipeglabourdefenceleague@gmail.com // 204- 792-3371

PROTEST on Tues., May 19! 5:30 p.m. @ Victoria Inn
(at Wellington & Berry, near the airport)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
BY RIPPING UP THE AUTO WORKERS COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS in Ontario, the Harper government is declaring War on Labour rights across Canada. The Auto companies are getting bailed out, but the workers are getting shafted.

Workers died fighting for the Labour rights Harper is taking away, including in the Winnipeg General Strike ninety years ago, drowned in blood by the mounted police, terrorized into submission by midnight arrests and army patrols with machine guns.

The labour movement, the people who brought you the weekend, medicare and other rights, is under attack. It’s time to push back! Workers did not cause a single problem of the capitalist system, such as unemployment, war, racism, hunger, or the destruction of the earth. But right wing governments are forcing the workers to pay for the economic crisis. Billions of dollars are spent on the banks and wealthy, while workers are laid off, communities and families are destroyed, pensions disappear, children go to food banks.

No worker lives far from utter poverty and ruin. Many people were already in crisis before the recession, not helped by social programs gutted after decades of cuts.

These governments have turned Unemployment Insurance into a cruel joke for most. Youth, Aboriginals, women and immigrant workers pay premiums, but rarely get benefits.

We can be a doormat for the corporations and wealthy, divided by racism and sexism in a dying planet, sent to another war, crushed under the thumb of anti-Labour governments.

Or we can join the fight for decent jobs, universal unemployment insurance, and a better world! We need decent jobs for everyone and to lift the burden of the crisis from the backs of workers.

Almost 80 years ago, the Canadian Labour Defence League collected a petition with 100,000 names demanding unemployment insurance and started the fight that won. We need to follow that example and build the fight from the strengths we have today.

We need to unite as a class around a program of struggle for these goals. We need to build alliances and solidarity with workers and their families in Manitoba and across Canada and the world, wherever workers are being forced to pay for the problems of capitalism. Stephen Harper will be in Winnipeg soon. We need to have a
strong protest to show workers across Canada:

Winnipeg is in solidarity with the Auto workers whose collective agreements he is ripping up.

We need you and your family at the rally:

Tues, May 19, 5:30 p.m.
Victoria Inn (at Wellington & Berry, near the airport)

Bring friends! An injury to one is an injury to all!
Defend Labour rights against Harper’s reactionary government!

Winnipeg Labour Defence League
winnipeglabourdefenceleague@gmail.com
792-3371

Video of the November 15 Block Harper Rally in Winnipeg

Watch it here!

Petitons to sign in support fo the new Coalition

Your voice matters!!

http://www.62percentmajority.ca
http://www.progressivecoalition.ca/form.php
http://canadianlabour.ca/en/coalition-governm ent-en

And, don't forget to contact the Governor General: info@gg.ca


EDIT: here are two more...

http://www.avaaz.org/en/coalition_for_canada/97.php/?cl_tf_sign=1
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/coalitiongovernment/

Winnipeg Rally in Support of A New Coalition Government

All are welcome to attend an event in support of a new coalition government!

Thursday Dec 4, 08
6:30 PM
Marlborough Hotel
Skyview Ballroom
331 Smith St

In the meantime, here is a little something to help you demonstrate your support. To accurately print a full-size version, click on the image below, save the file to your desktop, then print. Make as many copies as you can... affix them to your window, car, office door... anywhere you want and can!

Make Parliament Work!

A rally is being planned for Winnipeg...

http://www.makeparliamentwork.ca/

Keep your eyes and ears peeled!

More info soon!

* * *

The Conservative government introduced an economic and fiscal statement last week that failed to provide economic relief for Canadians or any measures to get the economy back on track.

The Harper government is also committed to trampling workers' rights and women's rights to pay equity.

Canadians need a government that shows leadership.

The opposition parties are acting in a responsible manner. They are not going to force another costly and time-consuming election. Instead the Liberals and the NDP are planning to form a coalition government, with the support of the Bloc Québecois in the House of Commons, to get this Parliament to address the economic crisis in a way that benefits workers and their families.

Let's support a coalition government that will get us through this economic crisis.

An Open Letter to Canadians

The following letter was issued today by the leaders of the three opposition parties.

To proceed with a new coalition, they need support from Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean [C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.] Governor General of Canada.

The real majority of Canadians who voted AGAINST the CPC are encouraged to contact her by telephone -- 1 800 465-6890. Please note, you may get a message indicating that the necessary voice mailbox is full, so please send email, as well: info@gg.ca.

It is not too late to make Canada a better place!

------------

Monday, December 1, 2008

To our fellow citizens,

Canada is facing a global economic crisis. Since the recent federal election, it has become clear that the government headed by Stephen Harper has no plan, no competence and, no will to effectively address this crisis. Therefore, the majority of Parliament has lost confidence in Mr. Harper’s government, and believes that the formation of a new Government that will effectively, prudently, promptly and competently address these critical economic times is necessary.

The contrast between the inaction of Mr. Harper’s government and the common action taken by all other Western democracies is striking. We cannot accept this.

A majority of Canadians and Quebecers voted for our parties on October 14, 2008. Our Members of Parliament make up 55 percent of the House of Commons.

In light of the critical situation facing our citizens, and the Harper government’s unwillingness and inability to address the crisis, we are resolved to support a new government that will address the interests of the people.

Today we respectfully inform the Governor General that, as soon as the appropriate opportunity arises, she should call on the Leader of the Official Opposition to form a new government, supported as set out in the accompanying accords by all three of our parties.

Respectfully,

Hon. Stéphane Dion
Leader, the Liberal Party of Canada

Hon. Jack Layton
Leader, the New Democratic Party of Canada

Gilles Duceppe
Leader, the Bloc Québécois

Canadians for a Progressive Coalition

http://www.progressivecoalition.ca/

Why the opposition can't back down now

Sixty-two percent of Canadians said NO to Harper on Oct 14... we must continue saying NO!
Contact your MP! Tell her/him you reject Harper and support a coalition!

Reposted from: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081129.WReid29/BNStory/Front

Why the opposition can't back down now
The Liberals, NDP and Bloc Quebecois will never get a better chance to take out Stephen Harper
SCOTT REID, Globe and Mail Update, November 29, 2008 at 5:00 PM EST

First things first: take him out.

After all, Stephen Harper is the most dangerous animal lurking in the jungles of Parliament. He is a threat to the future viability of the Liberals. A blood simple opponent of the NDP and the only serious contemporary challenge to the Bloc Quebecois. Without him, his party is an unlikely combination of Reform Party leftovers, Harris refugees and Red Tory desperates. They don't matter or even exist without Mr. Harper. So before you think a moment longer, opposition leaders, think on that.

And if that's not compelling enough, remember: He doesn't play to win. He plays to conquer. Under his guidance, the public interest is always subjugated to his personal political advancement. And he poisons Parliament with an extreme, bare-fanged breed of partisanship that has no hope of repair until he is banished.

This becomes relevant because suddenly, he is weak. In fact, at this particular moment, he is almost unable to defend himself. Owing to a ridiculously ill-considered act of hubris, he has laid himself vulnerable to his opponents. Their imperative could not be more clear: kill him. Kill him dead. Do not, whatever you do, provide him with an opportunity to extend his hold on power. Because you can be damn certain he will never again be so reckless as to give you a chance to finish him off.

Fate tends to be grudging with gifts of this significance. To ignore it would be an error every bit as historic as the one Mr. Harper himself has made.

So don't get fancy. Don't get confused. And don't get weak in the knees. If you don't put Mr. Harper in his grave, he'll put you in yours.

The next question is how. Nothing should be taken for granted. The guy has bought himself a week. And he'll use it to his advantage. He'll spend money, time and every ounce of energy to make it difficult on the Opposition.

Already, he's abandoning the liability of his own electoral financing proposals. He'll further correct his mistakes by having Jim Flaherty tease out talk of stimulus. He'll attack the legitimacy of an unelected "Prime Minister Dion." He'll turn the Liberal caucus loose on itself. And he will have success in rallying public opinion to his side.

Here's why: Already, the debate has shifted from the illegitimacy of what Mr. Harper has done to the illegitimacy of what comes next.

So be smart. Be deserving. Prove your case and show you have a plan that serves the public interest. Above all else, use the coming week to exert real leadership on the issues that matter.

The next few days are a campaign. Mr. Harper is no longer on trial; the coalition is. So take the initiative, show leadership and demonstrate competence.

That effort must first focus on the economy. Start with an articulation of how the coalition would direct the stimulus that the Conservatives withheld. Indicate that you will create a fund to echo U.S. investment in the auto sector. Express a willingness to create incentives to boost the manufacturing and forestry sectors. Announce an advisory board that is widely held and draws on the most talented that business and labour have to offer. Above all else, show that you're prepared to act, that you enjoy the support of serious people and that you will be guided by the need to create jobs and protect middle-class Canadians.

The other elephant in the room is leadership. Stephane Dion has bargained his way to the drive wheel of the new government. Good for him, but only if it suits the greater good. If Mr. Dion can make his case, then great. If he can't, move to an alternative - and do it fast.

Mr. Harper knows that his greatest advantage lies in Mr. Dion's weakness. The coalition can't let that impulse triumph. Don't permit the defeat of Mr. Harper to depend upon Mr. Dion's personal credibility - or that of any single individual, for that matter. There's too much at stake.

The coalition must be ruthless. Be quick to signal that if Mr. Dion can't win the confidence of his own party, or the country, an alternative will be identified before the vote in the House.

Mr. Harper will spend the next week marketing the evils of the coalition. And he'll do it like his life depends upon it - because politically, it does. The coalition can't show weakness or indecision. It must be clear in its determination to finish off Mr. Harper, to market its own virtues and to offer a leadership that Canadians find acceptable. It has to prove its legitimacy.

This is a rare moment in political history. A prime minister has been foolish enough to sacrifice control over his destiny to others. We know that Mr. Harper is tough. Between now and Dec. 8, we'll find out if the opposition is tougher.

Scott Reid was the communications director for former prime minister Paul Martin

Tory views on women's rights perfectly clear

Reposted from: http://www.thestar.com/living/article/539189
Antonia Zerbisias, Toronto Star, November 19, 2008

Stephen Harper can put on all the warm and fuzzy sweaters he likes, smile and say soothing things to politically moderate Canadians but, every time his base speaks out, the Prime Minister's carefully crafted image begins to unravel.

This was evident during the Conservative national policy convention in Winnipeg last weekend, at least when it came to issues concerning women.

Passed were three policy resolutions that affect women, and their rights, and choices.

In ascending order of outrageousness, they are:

Resolution P-305 would allow for income splitting for families with children, which would ease the tax burden on the main earner and put more cash in the couple's pockets.

That means spouses – usually women – who don't work outside of the home for pay could also get some financial reward for their contributions to the family, assuming, of course, that they actually see some of the dough.

Now, on the surface, this is great.

Except for one thing: It discriminates against single-parent families, many of who struggle to make ends meet.

It also works more to the benefit of the rich than the middle classes. The more income that a couple can split, the bigger and better the tax break. And aren't non-working spouses dependents anyway?

What income splitting as official policy really says is, especially in the absence of a national daycare program, a woman's place is in the home.

Resolution P-213 should hardly come as a surprise to anybody following the Harper government's efforts to wipe out any and all support for women's rights.

The proposal eliminates support for full gender equality as well as equal pay for work of equal value.

Let me repeat that: It would eliminate support for full gender equality.

Oh it couches that in airy fairy speak, stating that the party is all for "the full participation of women in the social, economic, and cultural life of Canada." But the phrase "gender equality" was scrubbed and equal pay will only go for "equal work."

That means male parking lot attendants can continue to make more than female child care workers, even if the latter have university educations and are entrusted with your precious kid instead of your car.

Which says a lot about where the Cons stand on the issue of women's work and independence.

And, if you still don't get their agenda, consider what bloggers Dr. Dawg and Danielle Takacs both reported from the floor. At least one delegate objected to the resolution because women already have it "too good" and the proposal should have included men.

Last but, oh so very far from least, is Resolution P-207 which is all about, here we go again, protecting "unborn children" from violence.

Rewind to the eve of the last federal election when Harper pulled the plug on the controversial Bill C-484, the so-called "Unborn Victims of Crime Act" because it contained language that could lead to the definition of the fetus as a legal person.

Well, a similar bill could be back like the stink of skunk after the rain. According to Kady Malley of Maclean's, when one delegate got up to say that passing this would open the door to fetal rights, she was cheered. But, when the applause died down, she concluded that this was not a good thing. Which was when she was booed.

True, after the vote, Justice Minister Rob Nicholson told reporters Harper has publicly stated he has no intention of reopening the abortion debate. So why can't he close it in his own party ranks?

It's obvious that, whatever face Harper presents to Canadians, his dark grass roots will always be showing.

Antonia Zerbisias is a Living section columnist. azerbisias@thestar.ca. She blogs at thestar.blogs.com.

Block Harper - November 15th Rally at Winnipeg Convention Centre

A rally will held at the Conservative Party convention at the Winnipeg Convention Centre on November 15th (12 noon) to oppose the Harper agenda and to support the majority of Canadians:

The majority of Canadians who want our soldiers out of Afghanistan, and for Canada to meet its Kyoto commitments.

The majority who oppose further integration with the United States and who want an end to the secret 'Security and Prosperity' or SPP talks.

The majority who want more affordable access to higher education, action to end poverty and homelessness.

Host: The Majority Agenda Coalition (of which Winnipeg's DoC is a part)
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2008
Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Location: The Winnipeg Convention Centre -- York Ave between Edmonton and Carleton
Email: block.harper.winnipeg@gmail.com

Today's the Day

Today is the day, so please be sure to get out and vote! Polls in the central time zone - our time zone - are open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

To make the most of your vote to stop the conservatives, please vote strategically and remember the acronym "ABC": Anything But Conservative.

For more information about strategic voting and to find out the best "ABC" choice in your riding, please visit:

voteforenvironment.ca
anyonebutharper.ca

Messages from Allies

From anyonebutharper.ca

A full break down on goings on sometime tomorrow but for today I just wanted to point out a little reality. To alot of people the phrase "Strategic Voting" sounds alot like "Root Canal" but there is a basic reality facing us tuesday.

If everyone 'votes with their heart' instead of their head we're looking at

Conservative 141
Liberal 73
NDP 35
Green 0
Bloc 57
IND 2

If we vote smart we get: (please not the Liberals, Greens, and NDP all do better):
Conservative 97
Liberal 109
NDP 46
Green 1
Bloc 53
IND 2

See details at voteforenviornment.ca
or anyonebutharper.ca

If you've got a minute please take the time to pass this message on to your friends, groups, or whoever will listen.

What You Can Do in the Last Few Days of the Campaign

Hello DoC Supporters,

We are now in the final days of our campaign. These last few days are critical, and we wanted to let you know what you can do to make a real difference in the outcome of the election in the few days that remain. According to today's Globe and Mail, 25% of voters will decide who to vote for between now and when they arrive at the ballot box.

Here's What You Can Do:

1. Tell Everyone You Know About voteforenvironment.ca

There are 65 "swing ridings" in Canada, ridings where the race between the Conservative and a non-Conservative candidate are extremely close. Voters in these ridings have the capacity to dramatically shift the outcome of the election by being strategic about who they vote for. This website offers comprehensive, up-to-date riding-by-riding information on how to defeat Harper at the ballot box--a quick and easy and incredibly important tool for all voters, especially those in these critical swing ridings.

Please consider sending a message to your friends, relatives and contacts, similar to the one below:

With the election fast approaching, many people are concerned about Harper winning a majority.

The problem is that in many ridings, otherwise unpopular Conservatives are in danger of winning because votes representing the riding's primarily anti-Conservative sentiment are being split between several non-Conservative parties.

To prevent a Harper majority, we must vote strategically in these ridings.

he following website provides comprehensive, up-to-date, riding-by-riding information on voting strategically in ridings the Conservatives could win. Although it is obviously anti-Conservative, the website is otherwise non-partisan.

http://www.voteforenvironment.ca/

If you agree with this strategy, please pass this on to as many other people as possible.

Thank you,

[your name]


2. Pull the Vote on Election Day

Another important thing you can do is help "pull the vote" for the candidate in a swing riding who has been deemed most likely to beat the Conservative in that riding. "Pulling the vote" involves ensuring that voters who have previously indicated that they will be voting for that particular candidate actually make it to the polls on Election Day. For a list of swing ridings go to: http://www.voteforenvironment.ca/content/key-ridings. Click on the riding to find out which candidate you should pull the vote for, and contact their election office.

*Please note that candidates will require you to have some election training before Election Day, so please contact the election office of the candidate you wish to pull the vote for ASAP.

3. Remind Everyone You Know to Vote on Election Day

Another thing you can do is remind everyone you know to vote. First thing in the morning on the 14th, email and/or text message your contacts across the country with a friendly reminder to vote--and to check out voteforenvironment.ca before doing so.

If we all pitch in over the next few days we can have a real effect on the outcome of the election. Please take a moment to participate in some or all of the above initiatives.

Thanks for your support,
Department of Culture

Messages from Allies

Election resources on women's equality from CWHN

Federal Election 2008 - Bringing Women's Voices and Concerns to the National Table

CWHN is highlighting resources created by other non-governmental organizations for this federal election. See our website for details:

http://www.cwhn.ca/indexeng.html

Issues that are important to women are important to the country. Remember, on October 14th, exercise your right to vote!

Ellen Reynolds
Director of Communications/Directrice des communications
Canadian Women’s Health Network/Le Réseau canadien pour la santé des femmes
203 – 419 Ave Graham
Winnipeg, MB R3C 0M3
Cell: 250-208-4889
Fax/Téléc: 204-989-2355
news@cwhn.ca // www.cwhn.ca

A Message from the Winnipeg Branch of the Department of Culture

Dear friends, allies, supporters, and fellow Canadians...

Thank you so very much for your many contributions to our campaign over the past few weeks! Your generosity has helped us get the word out about destructive Conservative Party of Canada policies through many means including handbills, posters, events, and now an ad in the Sunday edition of the Winnipeg Sun.

Keep your eyes peeled for the ad below.

The money raised at the Wrecking Ball, This is Not a Conservative Party, and through various individual donations has made this possible. We really hope it reaches people who are on the fence... the ones who are planning to vote CPC because they're looking forward to a little (and ultimately negligible) tax break. The way we see it, cheering for crumbs in the form of small tax breaks is falling for a bribe that will cost more in the end.

To circulate this ad, please click on it to save it in its larger size.

Best,
Members of Winnipeg's Department of Culture

Messages from Allies

More from Anyonebutharper.ca (from a few days ago, but still very relevant!)

VIDEO
Just one today, and it's a big one. This is the video for "You Have A Choice"

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=slnN3GMy7Nc

by K-OS, Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies, Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent, Adam Gontier of Three Days Grace, Sarah Harmer, Hawksley Workman, Jason Collett of Broken Social Scene, Darren Dumas of The Salads and the Arts Offstage Choir under the direction of David Reed.

SONG WRITTEN & PRODUCED BY
Ian Lefeuvre (The Hundreds and Thousands) and K-OS

Lyrics all contributed by the artists. Additional keyboards are performed by Todor Kobakov from Major Maker. The track was mastered by Joao Carvalho.

PLEASE POST IT TO YOUR SITE(S) AND SHARE IT WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW!
(link to share)
http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=slnN3GMy7Nc

THE OFFICIAL PREMIERE OF THE VIDEO IS AT 7PM TONIGHT AT THE PHOENIX IN TORONTO AS PART OF "THIS IS NOT A CONSERVATIVE PARTY!"

http://departmentofculture.ca/concert/

If you're going, I'll might see you there!

It's just the long weekend to go folks, the fact that Tuesday is after the Thanksgiving weekend means people won't be paying alot of attention this week and voter turnout will be down on Tuesday (I'm sure that that is part of Harper's plan) so drag your friends with you to the polls on Tuesday, call them and ask if they've voted. For decades now we've said 'we'll do something about the environment someday', we've commissioned studies, come up with grand 10 and 20 year plans that fizzled but this is it.

I know people are concerned about the economy but have you noticed that when the economy is up they say we can't do anything about the environment because we'll kill the strong economy, when it's down they say we can't do anything because we'll damage it more. But virtually every reasonable economist in Canada, and most environmentalists agree that a Carbon Tax would actually be GOOD for the economy.

The time to do something about the environment is no longer someday, it is not, over the next 5 years, it is not 'when the economy improves' it is TUESDAY!

Vote with your heart, but don't leave your head completely out of the equation. Vote to remove Stephen Harper.


NEWS:

Alberta Premiere Calls for Economic Meeting With Counterpart: Contradicts Harper
http://tinyurl.com/3jlcnn

Oil sands will pollute Great Lakes, report warns
http://tinyurl.com/4ykb8p

Flaherty Suddenly Cares About the Economy
http://www.publicbroadcasting.ca/2008/10/you-cant-trust-conservatives-with-money.html

Elizabeth May Endorses Strategic Voting in Close Races
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081008.welxngreens1009/BNStory/politics/home?cid=al_gam_mostemail

Canadian researchers call for end to 'politicization' of science
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/story/2008/10/09/scientists-letter.html?ref=rss

Canadians prefer national child care system to monthly allowance 2 to 1 according to Nanos poll
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2008/09/c4801.html

POLLS:

CPAC-Nanos Conservatives 33% (no change) Liberals 29% (no change) NDP 20% (no change) Bloc 10% (-1) Greens 7% (no change) Undecided 15% (-1)
While the Conservatives and/or Liberals were up or down 1 - 2 points here and there it was within the margin of error. Statistically significant NDP +4% in Quebec, Conservatives -6% in Atlantic Canada.

Also in terms of "Leadership Indicators" Harper lost ground on Trust, Competence and Vision for Canada while Dion gained in all 3 areas.

http://www.nanosresearch.com/election/CPAC-Nanos-October-9-2008E.pdf

According to the Canadian PRess/Harris-Decima poll
Conservatives 32% (+1) Liberals 27% (no change) NDP 19% (-1) Green 12 % (no change) Bloc 8% (no change)

So - it is the 15% undecided that we need to convince, and strategic voters.

Messages from Allies

Vote Strategically!

From Anyonebutharper.ca
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=se4G8t_o0T8
http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=se4G8t_o0T8

Video from Alberta Artist Richard Sixto on Harper, the Military, the Arts the Media, the Environment and more
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu9XE4fZZEQ
(link to share)
http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu9XE4fZZEQ

Also, thank you all for watching and sharing the "You Have a Choice" video from yesterday. So far it has been seen (after 1 day) by 11,433 people and has a 5 star rating!

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=slnN3GMy7Nc&feature=related


NEWS

Conservatives Bail Out Banks
They are trying to sell it as an investment, but what they are actually doing is buying 25 billion dollars in questionable mortgages.
http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2008/10/10/flaherty-banks.html

A Green Candidate in Quebec has withdrawn to help the Liberals
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/story/2008/10/09/green-liberal.html

Duceppe Calls Harper on His Linguistic Double Standard
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/story/2008/10/10/duceppe-dion.html?ref=rss


POLLS

CPAC Nanos
Conservatives 33% (no change) Liberals 27% (-2) NDP 22% (+2) Bloc 10 (no Change) Green 8 (+1)
other points of interest - the Tories are down 2 points to 16 in Quebec but they are up 4 to 32 in Ontario with the Liberals down 6 to 33.

Canadian Press Harris-Decim
Shows a Conservative Rebound
Conservatives 34% (+2 up 3 over 2 day) Liberals 26 (-1) NDP 18 (-1) Bloc 9 (+1) Greens 12 (no change)

Messages from Allies

Conservatives silent on Communication and Culture!

To members of Canadians For Democratic Media

Campaign for Democratic Media sent a series of questions to the five major federal parties get their positions pertaining to media and culture on record. We received responses from four of the five parties: only the Conservative Party did not reply, despite being approached several times.

The government and MPs elected on October 14th will play a decisive role in determining what information, perspectives, ideas and entertainment are readily available to Canadians as well as how Canadians communicate with one another.

I urge all Canadians to review these policy positions before voting.

Download the report and find out where the parties stand on Net Neutrality:
http://democraticmedia.ca/positions08

Please share this with your fellow voters

-and ask your local candidates where they stand!
http://democraticmedia.ca/blog-entry/vote-media-democracy

We rely on your donations to continue our work. Please consider becoming a supporter. If you sign up for monthly donations of $10 or more, you will receive a FREE full-year subscription to Briarpatch Magazine! A one-time donation is fine, too. Whether it's a little or a lot, it all adds up. So please, DONATE NOW: http://democraticmedia.ca/donate

Steve Anderson
604-837-5730
steveinfos@gmail.com

At the Department of Culture we're giving thanks...

But before we do, please visit DepartmentofCulture.ca to read three important things you can do in these final days:

1. Pull the Vote on Election Day
2. Play Phone Tag with residents of Whitby-Oshawa
3. Tell Everyone You Know About voteforenvironment.ca

We are now in the final days of our campaign. The Conservatives are going down in the polls are we are feeling energized. These last few days are critical, and we wanted to let you know what you can do to make a real difference in the outcome of the election in the few days that remain:

1. Pull the Vote on Election Day
One of the most important things you can do is help "pull the vote" for the candidate in a swing riding who has been deemed most likely to beat the Conservative in that riding. "Pulling the vote" involves ensuring that voters who have previously indicated that they will be voting for that particular candidate actually make it to the polls on election day. For a list of swing ridings (ridings where the race between the Conservative and non-Conservative candidate are extremely close), go to: http://www.voteforenvironment.ca/content/key-ridings . Click on the riding to find out which candidate you should pull the vote for, and contact their election office.

Please note that candidates will require you to have some election training before election day, so please contact the election office of the candidate you wish to pull the vote for ASAP.

2. Play Phone Tag with residents of Whitby-Oshawa
This Thanksgiving weekend, express your thanks for all that you love about this country by helping to kick a turkey out of Parliament. Help put a wrench in Finance Minister Jim Flaherty's election campaign from the comfort of your own home by playing "phone tag" with residents of his riding of Whitby-Oshawa. We're just putting the finishing touches on this initiative--keep an eye on our website for its launch on October 9th.


3. Tell Everyone You Know About voteforenvironment.ca
There are 65 "swing ridings" in Canada. Voters in these ridings have the capacity to dramatically shift the outcome of the election by being strategic about who they vote for. This website offers comprehensive, up-to-date riding-by-riding information on how to defeat Harper at the ballot box--an important tool for all voters, especially those in these critical swing ridings.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

We also thought we should take a moment to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has given their time, passion, and imagination so generously.

We've made new friends and allies, learned a huge amount, and have been inspired by the overwhelming talents and dedication of all the artists and organizations who have worked so hard both in association with Department of Culture, and on their own, creating their own organizations, developing their own initiatives, making artwork, attending rallies, canvassing, and just talking up the issues. Your efforts have been incredible, and we thank you for all that you've done. We look forward to seeing where this wonderful energy and momentum will lead in the days, months and years following the election--we hope it doesn't stop here. Don't forget to vote on the 14th. And on Election night get together with friends, family, and colleagues to see just how much difference we made. In Toronto, we'll be celebrating at the Gladstone, starting at 8pm. We invite you to join us in raising a glass to our country, all that we've accomplished over the past month, and the future that lies ahead. We are anticipating that there will be much to celebrate.

In solidarity,
Department of Culture