Minister Duguid announces federal investments to grow the performing arts sector in Alberta
PrairiesCan funding of more than $8.3 million will support the sustainability and vibrancy of performing arts organizations in Edmonton and Calgary
EDMONTON, AB, March 7, 2025 /CNW/ - Performing arts organizations across the Prairies collectively possess the economic and cultural power to enrich communities, draw visitors and tourists, generate jobs, and drive economic activity. The Government of Canada is investing in the continued sustainability and vibrancy of the performing arts in Prairie communities.
Today, the Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister for PrairiesCan, announced a federal investment of over $8.3 million to enable 13 performing arts organizations in Alberta to grow, diversify their revenues, and engage audiences in new and exciting ways.
From the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton to the Calgary Philharmonic Society, today's investments will enable some of Alberta's leading performing arts organizations to implement new audience development and engagement strategies, enhance their reach and visitor experience, and increase awareness of their brand.
In total, today's investments are expected to support over 75 jobs and will strengthen the long-term economic resiliency of arts organizations by helping them to innovate and enhance their offerings.
This announcement reflects the principles of the Government of Canada's Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy, a long-term commitment to work collaboratively with partners across the Prairies on their priorities to seize new possibilities for good-paying jobs in a globally competitive economy.
Quotes
"The performing arts are at the heart of Alberta's cultural landscape. More than just a source of entertainment, they bring people together, spark creativity, and drive economic growth while creating good jobs along the way. Our government is proud to invest in Alberta's performing arts organizations, helping them grow, innovate, and inspire audiences."–The Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister for PrairiesCan
"Performing arts organizations across the country drive the local economy. I'm happy to see this kind of funding reaching our region, ensuring arts organizations here receive the same support as those across the country. This announcement recognizes the economic impact of arts organizations in our communities—and that's good business for everyone."–The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre
Quick facts
The Prairie Performing Arts Initiative (PPAI) is part of Canada's Budget 2024 commitment to create vibrant and inclusive communities. PPAI provides $20 million in one-time support over three years (2024/25 to 2026/27).
This initiative provides non-repayable contributions directly to eligible professional performing arts organizations to support projects that contribute to the financial sustainability and growth of the performing arts sector across the Prairies.
Budget 2024 also provided $31 million over two years to the Canadian Arts Presentation Fund delivered by Canadian Heritage to support organizations that present arts.
Backgrounder
PrairiesCan is investing $8,356,420 in non-repayable funding for 13 projects in Alberta through the Prairie Performing Arts Initiative (PPAI).
Through PPAI, PrairiesCan investments support local performing arts organizations as they re-engage and attract audiences and diversify their revenue. Funding will support the long-term economic resiliency of arts organizations by helping them innovate their current practices and enhance their offerings.
Edmonton
Ballet Edmonton Society ($587,831)Create a digital portfolio to enhance visual storytelling and attract new audiences.
The Citadel Theatre ($750,000)Implement a multifaceted business strategy to grow audience base, diversify revenue streams, and enhance theatre experiences.
Edmonton Opera Association ($682,550)Improve sustainability and audience growth using innovative digital tools and branding strategies.
Edmonton Symphony Society ($750,000)Diversify revenue streams, engage new audiences, and enhance business operations through digital content, research, and development.
Theatre Network Society ($170,000)Build a comprehensive rental space and program to diversify revenue.
Calgary
Alberta Ballet Company ($750,000)Implement a marketing strategy to increase visibility and audience engagement within Alberta's vibrant ballet scene.
The Alberta Theatre Projects Society ($750,000)Create and implement fundraising and marketing strategies to re-engage patrons and attract new audiences.
Calgary Opera Association ($750,000)Implement marketing and audience development strategies to increase revenue and diversify audiences.
Calgary Philharmonic Society ($750,000)Implement a new audience development strategy to increase revenue and audience growth to enhance the orchestra's reach.
Decidedly Jazz Society ($484,853)Develop and implement a digital marketing strategy to attract new audiences and improve operations.
One Yellow Rabbit Theatre Association ($539,000)Develop a fund development and marketing plan to increase revenue and audience base.
Theatre Calgary ($750,000)Enhance business development practices, execute marketing campaigns, and implement engagement tools to grow audience base.
Vertigo Theatre Society ($642,186)Establish a fund development department in support of its revenue diversification efforts.
Associated links
Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
Prairies Performing Arts Initiative (PPAI)
Stay connectedFollow PrairiesCan on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedInToll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378 TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388
SOURCE Prairies Economic Development Canada
View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2025/07/c5163.html
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Government of Canada Moves Forward with HR and Pay Transformation Through Dayforce
GATINEAU, QC , June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is taking the next step toward replacing the Phoenix pay system to drive efficiency and effectiveness across government. Today, the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, announced that the Government of Canada is moving forward to the final build and testing phase of the Dayforce HR and pay solution. This decision follows the completion of a rigorous feasibility study and marks a significant step toward modernizing the government's HR and pay systems. The Dayforce solution will replace a significant number of HR systems in use across the Government of Canada. It reflects the government's continued commitment to business and digital transformation built on transparency, efficiency, and employee experience. The Government of Canada will finalize the configuration and testing of Dayforce and work with departments to confirm their readiness to onboard. This phased approach builds on lessons learned and will help reduce risks associated with large-scale transformation and ensure a smooth transition for employees. Employee engagement will continue to be a key focus throughout the transformation process. By involving employees in readiness activities and ensuring continuous feedback mechanisms, the government is implementing an HR and pay solution that offers an efficient people-centric platform aligned with workforce needs. Quotes "The Government of Canada remains committed to modernizing its HR and pay systems in a responsible and transparent manner. By investing in the future of HR and pay, we are taking an important step forward in ensuring an efficient, secure, and sustainable solution for public service employees." The Honourable Joël LightboundMinister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement "We are excited to strengthen our partnership with the Government of Canada. Dayforce brings together advanced technologies into a single, AI-powered people platform designed to simplify processes and deliver real value. We are committed to supporting this transformative HR and pay initiative, ensuring it enhances work-life and drives meaningful improvements for government employees across the country." David OssipChair and Chief Executive Officer of Dayforce, Inc. Quick Facts The current pay system is used to deliver pay to an average of 431,000 current and former employees bi-weekly. In 2024, this represented approximately 13.4 million payments, totalling approximately $40.1 billion. The complexity of the Government of Canada HR and pay environment includes the challenge of applying almost 150 different collective agreements representing employees from over 100 departments and agencies. The initiative is incorporating lessons learned from the previous pay system implementation and recommendations intended to guide future projects of similar size and scope. In particular, recommendations around stakeholder engagement and governance were guided by Lessons Learned from the Transformation of Pay Administration Initiative (Goss Gilroy report). Over 3,000 public servants participated in user awareness sessions during the feasibility project, with the majority of participants reporting that they found Dayforce simple and easy to use. Feedback from participants is being used to improve the system further. Dayforce is a global human capital management technology company with deep Canadian roots. Its single AI-powered people platform for HR, pay, time, talent and analytics is trusted by thousands of customers and serves millions of employees worldwide. Over the next 2 years, the deployment of the Dayforce solution will begin to progressively onboard starting with two departments and a separate agency, where the Government of Canada will focus on departmental readiness as it prepares to deploy the system. Associated links Enterprise Integrated Strategy on Human Resources and Pay Final Findings Report Dayforce feasibility report summary Follow us on X (Twitter)Follow us on Facebook SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada View original content: Effettua l'accesso per consultare il tuo portafoglio
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Government of Canada announces next steps in Alexandra Bridge replacement project
GATINEAU, QC, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada continues to invest in improvements to transportation and mobility in the National Capital Region and is making progress on its commitment to replace the Alexandra Bridge. Today, the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, announced that the following 3 qualified teams will be invited to participate in the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage for the Alexandra Bridge replacement project: Epoch Pathway Ontario-Québec Partners: Peter Kiewit Sons ULC: Heritage Link Group: These teams were selected through a Request for Qualifications that was launched in October 2024. They will now be invited to submit formal proposals in October 2025. The successful bidder will work in partnership with the integrated project team to finalize the design, deconstruct the existing structure and build the new bridge. The contract for planning and design is expected to be awarded in winter 2026. The contract for deconstruction and construction is expected to follow in 2027, with work beginning in 2028. The new bridge is expected to be in use by 2032. The National Capital Commission (NCC) recently unveiled the updated preferred design concept for the bridge, which responds to feedback received through public consultations. For more information, please visit the NCC's Alexandra Bridge replacement web page. Quotes "Today's announcement is an important milestone in the Alexandra Bridge replacement project and underscores the Government of Canada's commitment to expedite nation-building projects that will connect and transform our country. This project will enhance transportation and mobility in the National Capital Region for decades to come." The Honourable Joël LightboundMinister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement Quick facts The current Alexandra Bridge is over 120 years old and has reached the end of its useful life. The replacement project is being advanced using a progressive design-build approach, which will allow for early collaboration between designers and builders, leading to faster delivery, better cost control and higher-quality results. Following the RFP process, the successful bidder will work with the integrated project team to complete the design in accordance with the project requirements. The integrated project team consists of representatives from Public Services and Procurement Canada, the NCC and Arup Canada Inc., the technical advisor. Consultations with Indigenous communities, the public and stakeholders will continue throughout the project. Associated links Alexandra Bridge: Replacement project Follow us on X (Twitter)Follow us on Facebook SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada View original content: Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
Don't assume further rate cuts from the Bank of Canada, Poloz warns
Former Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz warned markets should not be assuming further rate cuts by the central bank, which will remain primarily focused on the inflation risk caused by tariffs over a weakening economy. 'Inflation has been kind of firming lately, using the core measures the Bank of Canada pays attention to,' said Poloz, now special adviser to Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, during a webinar on Tuesday. 'And the counter tariffs that the government has put in place will start boosting inflation in the next couple of months.' Canada's inflation rate came in at 1.7 per cent in April, but measures of core inflation came in at three per cent and above. On June 4, the Bank of Canada decided to hold its policy rate for the second straight time at 2.75 per cent, as it assesses how tariffs are affecting the Canadian economy. Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem said it was too early to see the impact of retaliatory tariffs on the published CPI data but expects to see those effects in the coming months. The Government of Canada imposed 25 per cent tariffs on almost $60 billion worth of United States goods in response to U.S. tariffs, although certain exemptions apply. Carney has also signalled further potential retaliatory tariffs. Poloz said the central bank had to learn a hard lesson during the post-pandemic era, when inflation unexpectedly jumped higher than expected. At the time, Macklem said inflation would be 'transitory.' 'The central bank said, 'Don't worry, that's a transitory thing.' Well, transitory turned out to be two years,' said Poloz. 'Having learned that lesson the hard way, I think central banks are going to be much more preoccupied with inflation risks.' The Canadian economy grew by 2.2 per cent in the first quarter of this year, mainly as the result of a rise of exports, as businesses pulled forward their inventory to get ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff announcements. Macklem said he expects growth in the second quarter to be considerably weaker, while many economists are forecasting a recession this year. The unemployment rate also hit seven per cent in May, as tariff uncertainty continued to slow hiring demand and the manufacturing sector showed significant job losses in the last few months. Poloz said the deterioration in the labour market is a 'recessionary indicator' and he expects further layoffs as the result of tariffs in the coming months. This will be a point of concern for the Bank of Canada but Poloz noted that governments have shown a willingness to use fiscal policy to address the economic damage brought on by tariffs, while the central bank can remain focused on price stability. Poloz said whether Canada's central bank cuts or not will depend on what is causing the economy's slowdown. 'If it's just uncertainty that's causing companies to stop, pull back, then maybe cutting rates helps,' he said. But if tariffs are causing a more permanent structural issue in the Canadian economy, then monetary policy could prove ineffective. 'Cutting rates in that context just boosts demand with no supply to meet it, and can actually cause inflation to go up,' said Poloz. 'Markets should not be assuming these things,' he added. 'You saw the ECB (European Central Bank), they cut rates, but Europe has not retaliated on the tariffs, so they have less inflation risk for them, than we do over here.' In the meantime, uncertainty brought by Trump's trade war will continue, with a pullback on investment set to continue. Poloz said global income could drop by as much as $40 trillion due to Trump's tariff regime over the next few years. On the fiscal policy side, Poloz said the Liberal government is 'off to a promising start' with announcements on internal trade, increased defence spending, legislation on big projects and rhetoric on making Canada 'an energy superpower.' Poloz said he is seeing growing optimism in boardrooms, but added that the West remains understandably skeptical. Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government will present a budget in the fall and has promised to change the way its presented, by splitting operating and capital spending into two separate categories, which has faced criticism that it would complicate transparency on the deficit. David Rosenberg: Surprise job gains in Canada conceal economic rot underneath 'Grinding' rise in unemployment rate means Bank of Canada will start cutting rates again 'When someone presents a budget, they don't get to say we're going to do this and that's going to cause the economy to grow enough that actually it won't cause a deficit,' said Poloz. 'Convention is you say what you're going to do, then of course you cross your fingers and hope it works, it makes the economy bigger, and over time the revenues for the government grow and the deficit goes away.' 'But we all know that some of these things are so critical for economic growth, they're guaranteed to pay off,' he added. • Email: jgowling@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
