Who will answer?

On the 18th of November AABC sent a letter to each MLA in British Columbia. Yes, all 84 of them! See them here .

The letter posed the following two questions:

RE: Arts and culture funding in British Columbia

1. Are you satisfied with our standing in comparison with other provinces? If not, how would you like to see this changed?

2. What portion, if any, of gaming revenue do you think should go to charities?

To see the complete letter and accompanying background information, go to Questions for MLAs . You can find your MLA and ask them to reply to the questions from AABC.

Their replies will be posted here. So far, we have received one reply by email and one letter (from Gordon Campbell) Both are posted below in their entirety. We are eagerly awaiting others.

Dear Mr. Durrie:
Joan McIntyre thanks you for your letter of November 18, 2010 and asks me to reassure you that she remains an avid supporter of Arts and Culture in BC.
Regards,
Per/Judith Fee
Constituency Assistant to
Joan McIntyre, MLA
West Vancouver-Sea to Sky

__________________________________________________________

December 1, 2010

Dear Mr. Durrie:

Thank you for your letter and accompanying notes and citations relating to provincial funding for the arts in British Columbia. I appreciate the time you have taken to bring this information to my attention.

Since 2001, the BC Arts Council has provided over $124 million to assist artists and arts organizations. We look forward to better days when we can be even more supportive of our lively arts and cultural sectors–not just because of their great importance to individuals and communities but to British Columbia’s overall economy as well.

I have shared a copy of your correspondence with the Minister responsible for gaming grants, the Honourable Rich Coleman and the Minister of Community Sport and Cultural Development, the Honourable Stephanie Cadieux, for their review as well. Minister Coleman will ensure that the appropriate ministry official responds directly to your specific questions at the earliest opportunity.

Again, thank you for writing.

Sincerely,
(signed)
Gordon Campbell