News Release Archive
EDUCATION/CULTURE--DISCUSSION PAPER ON CULTURAL POLICY RELEASED ----------------------------------------------------------------- The provincial government will be consulting Nova Scotians, over a three week period beginning the end of May, to get input on the beliefs and principles upon which a cultural policy for Nova Scotia should be founded, Education and Culture Minister John MacEachern announced today. A discussion paper, "Developing a Cultural Policy for Nova Scotia - What do we believe in?," released today by the minister presents a series of ideas, poses questions and suggests a number of principles which could be incorporated into a cultural policy. The paper was developed in consultation with about 150 individuals representing a broad cross section of interests, including those people active in cultural activities, community development and government. The policy being developed will span the arts, cultural industries, heritage and multicultural arts. "Nova Scotians' pride in their cultural heritage helps to keep our province strong," Mr. MacEachern said, "but few of us realize the extent to which arts and culture contribute to the provincial economy." A study conducted in 1992 estimated that arts and culture contribute an estimated $164 million to the provincial economy, employing between 3,700 and 4,000 people, the vast majority year round. The study also found that for every $1. that the province committed to the culture sector, nearly $3. came back into the economy. Provincial funding to the culture sector comes from a number of government programs administered by different departments. The need to establish a policy to guide government decisions and actions which impact on the development of cultural activities is a long standing one, and "now is being addressed in consultation with all Nova Scotians," the minister said. "Nova Scotians have a real stake in how government supports culture and heritage in this province and they should have a say in shaping the policy under which future government decisions in this area will be taken." Nine public meetings will be held between May 29 and June 12 to enable Nova Scotians to present their responses to the issues and ideas contained in the discussion paper. Those responses will help to shape Nova Scotia's first cultural policy. The discussion paper deals with issues impacting on all Nova Scotians, as well as those that are of interest to those specifically involved in cultural activities. A number of ideas and suggested principles are presented for public response, with other comments invited. Nova Scotians may participate in the consultation process by attending a public meeting in their area, by returning their comments where appropriate in the discussion paper, or by preparing a submission on their own topics and concerns and sending it to the Cultural Affairs Division of the department. All submissions should be received by July 15, 1996. Public meetings will be held as follows: Liverpool, May 29; Yarmouth, May 30; Dartmouth (Westphal), June 3; Antigonish, June 4; Sydney, June 5; Baddeck, June 6; Truro, June 10; Wolfville, June 11 and Halifax, June 12. Copies of the Discussion Paper are available from the Nova Scotia Government Bookstore by calling 424-7580 or 1-800-526-6575. It can also be accessed on the Department of Education and Culture web site at http://www.Ednet.ns.ca -30- Contact: Peter Guildford 902-424-4179 trp May 01, 1996 - 2:45 p.m.