2024 BC Election Candidate Survey Responses
On October 1, 2024, the Coalition of Arts, Culture, and Heritage invited all registered candidates in the BC Provincial Election to share their perspectives on the importance of arts, culture, and heritage to their local communities and BC at large. The candidates below — and the BC NDP — shared their responses via an online survey.
This document will be updated as responses are received until Friday, October 11 at 5 PM PT.
Use the links below to jump to a riding or candidate.
Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream
Dr. Lisa Gunderson (BC Greens)
David Busch (BC Conservatives)
Linda Hepner (BC Conservatives)
All ridings
BC NDP
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
We are bringing people together to celebrate their communities and love of local arts and culture by providing stable, year-over-year funding for fairs, festivals and events. We will work with artists, communities and artist-led organizations like the BC Coalition for Arts, Culture, and Heritage, to tackle ongoing challenges the sector faces, such as reduced revenue and sponsorships and the rising costs of equipment and services.
Rustad’s Conservatives don’t believe in the role arts and culture play in building an inclusive and diverse community. We do, and we will continue to invest tens of millions of dollars to local, regional and Indigenous organizations across the province - many of those connected to the BC Coalition for Arts, Culture, and Heritage - through programs like the Community Grants Fund and the BC Fairs, Festivals and Events fund.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
David Eby and the BC NDP believe access to new and modern arts institutions should not be restricted to those living in cities and suburbs. We know BC is home to world-renowned artists and organizations that enrich the entirety of our province. That is why we are ensuring organizations across the province, including those in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, can take advantage of our Arts Infrastructure Program to make sure their communities are able to invest and grow their burgeoning art scenes or ensure their young people can develop their creative skills. This program enables organizations to develop and enhance spaces that support the work of BC’s arts and cultural practitioners. Typically, 50% of grants are distributed to organizations from rural or remote communities or those led by or rooted in Indigenous and equity-deserving communities.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
David Eby and the BC NDP are expanding the Arts, Culture and Sports Infrastructure Fund that helps local community and cultural organizations bring people together, and inform, entertain and engage ever- widening audiences. We will continue to support the heart of communities by investing in tourism, arts and culture activities locals and visitors alike love most. Including helping local community and cultural organizations, by continuing our historic level of support. We all must work together to ensure organizations and associations remain able to deliver programming and events.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Funding and support for arts and culture has never been as strong or as extensive in BC history. From arts and literature to festivals and museums, we will continue to build a thriving arts and culture sector that keeps our communities vibrant and healthy. We are bringing people together to celebrate their communities, cultures and love of local arts by providing stable, year-over-year funding for fairs, festivals and events.
Rustad’s Conservatives do not share the belief that fully funded programs and institutions benefit communities. Whether it be connecting children and youth with skills and supports to create well rounded students or providing volunteer opportunities for senior citizens to share their rich local heritage, we know that John Rustad and his team will slash budgets and cancel projects. When it comes to giving further tax breaks to their wealthy friends, arts funding will be the first item on the chopping block to stoke that fire.
David Eby and his BC NDP team have not only helped grow arts and culture at home but kept costs down for art students, museum visitors, festival-goers and families participating in arts and culture activities in our home communities.
Abbotsford South
Amandeep Singh (Independent)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
Arts, culture, and heritage are crucial to BC and Abbotsford South for several reasons. They foster social cohesion and cultural identity by uniting diverse communities, while also contributing significantly to the local economy through creative industries and cultural tourism. These sectors preserve the region's history, like Abbotsford's agricultural heritage.
They also support mental well-being through creative expression. Moreover, cultural initiatives draw tourists and create a sense of belonging, enriching both personal and communal life. Together, these elements strengthen Abbotsford South’s community, history, and economic sustainability.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
The most pressing issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in Abbotsford South could possibly be the lack of sustainable funding and support for local arts and cultural programs. This affects the preservation of local heritage and the ability to offer diverse cultural initiatives that reflect the community's rich history and diversity.
To address this, I would advocate for increased investment in local arts and cultural organizations, ensuring that funding is accessible and long-term. Additionally, I would work with municipal and provincial governments to create more community spaces where arts and culture can thrive, and engage local artists and cultural leaders to develop initiatives that celebrate Abbotsford South's unique heritage, especially its agricultural and Indigenous roots.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
Yes
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Yes
Bulkley Valley-Stikine
Gamlakyeltxw (BC Greens)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
Arts and culture are essential to a flourishing society, offering insights into our past and shaping our present and future. They foster community connections and help give voice to what we’re experiencing now and into the future.
Despite the sector’s importance, arts, culture and heritage are frequently underfunded and unsupported by all levels of government. This has led to the closure of local music venues and the shutdown of valuable programs across British Columbia, where the voices of our storytellers have traditionally found space to share.
The BC Greens recognize that the wellbeing of all British Columbians is closely tied to the health of the province's cultural investments. A robust arts and culture sector will benefit all British Columbians. It helps us define who we are and what we value – creating greater connection to our communities and our shared future.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
Historically, governments in this province have devalued art and culture. Colonization resulted in the theft of First Nations' art and culture, alongside the destruction and burning of numerous heritage sites. Preserving the province's rich and vibrant history is essential, as is providing Indigenous communities with the necessary resources to sustain their cultural practices
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
Yes. The BC Greens are committed to collaborating with the sector to develop a provincial Arts, Culture, and Heritage Action Plan to guide future investments and initiatives.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Yes – the BC Greens will increase the Annual BC Arts Council budget to $55 million to enhance support for arts and culture initiatives. We will maintain COVID-era investments in arts, culture, and heritage and increase funding based on inflation to support ongoing recovery and growth.
Burnaby North
Martin Kendell (Independent)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
Arts, culture, and heritage are vital to Burnaby and the province of British Columbia. They foster a sense of belonging, togetherness and identity by reflecting on our unique history and cultural diversity of this municipality. Cultural activities boost our local economy through tourism, job creation and support for local artists and businesses. They encourage creativity and critical thinking in our schools, and set the stage for gaining essential skills for personal development. Most importantly, protecting heritage ensures that future generations can appreciate and learn from the past.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
The most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in my riding is the lack of funding and support for local artists and cultural organizations.
To address this, I will advocate for increased funding from both provincial and federal levels to support grants for local artists and arts organizations. Also, I will push for initiatives that promote arts education in schools and community programs, ensuring that the next generation values and engages with our cultural heritage.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
Absolutely.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Yes.
Burnaby-New Westminster
Daniel Ampong (Independent)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
It's part of our history, it's always changing and adapting and that's what makes us who we are.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
Keeping BC as beautiful as it should be, especially with the first nations and their heritage. I will work on maintaining this relationship and push for the future generations to always remember this.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
yes
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
It would have to be discussed further on what the plan would be, but I'm open to it
Chilliwack North
Dan Grice (Independent)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
I come from a family of artists, have a degree in classical history, and I have two children in dance, and did acting as child myself so I appreciate how positive arts and culture are to those that participate in them. Arts and culture are the soul of BC and allow us to maximize our creativity and find common ground in a troubled world.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
My riding has a lot of low income kids who may not be able to have the same access to arts and cultural programs as others. I will work to ensure that children of all backgrounds can particulate in arts.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
I would support such a plan, and look at ways to promote arts and culture.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
I will oppose attempts by the Conservatives to cut funding for arts education, and look at ways to strengthen government and private sector involvement in the arts.
Cowichan Valley
Cammy Lockwood (BC Greens)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
Arts and culture are essential to a flourishing society, offering insights into our past and shaping our present and future. They foster community connections and help give voice to what we’re experiencing now and into the future.
Despite the sector’s importance, arts, culture and heritage are frequently underfunded and unsupported by all levels of government. This has led to the closure of local music venues and the shutdown of valuable programs across British Columbia, where the voices of our storytellers have traditionally found space to share.
The BC Greens recognize that the wellbeing of all British Columbians is closely tied to the health of the province's cultural investments. A robust arts and culture sector will benefit all British Columbians. It helps us define who we are and what we value – creating greater connection to our communities and our shared future.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
The most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in Cowichan Valley is the lack of accessible platforms for diverse voices, particularly Indigenous and emerging artists. Arts and culture are vital for community connections and reflect our shared experiences. As an elected MLA, I would advocate for increased funding for local arts programs, establish community grants for cultural initiatives, and create collaborative spaces for artists to showcase their work. By promoting public art projects and cultural festivals, we can enrich our community, celebrate our history, and shape a vibrant future together.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
Yes. The BC Greens are committed to collaborating with the sector to develop a provincial Arts, Culture, and Heritage Action Plan to guide future investments and initiatives.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Yes – the BC Greens will increase the Annual BC Arts Council budget to $55 million to enhance support for arts and culture initiatives. We will maintain COVID-era investments in arts, culture, and heritage and increase funding based on inflation to support ongoing recovery and growth.
Juan de Fuca-Malahat
Andrew Rose (BC Greens)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
Arts and culture are essential to a flourishing society, offering insights into our past and shaping our present and future. They foster community connections and help give voice to what we’re experiencing now and into the future.
Despite the sector’s importance, arts, culture and heritage are frequently underfunded and unsupported by all levels of government. This has led to the closure of local music venues and the shutdown of valuable programs across British Columbia, where the voices of our storytellers have traditionally found space to share.
The BC Greens recognize that the wellbeing of all British Columbians is closely tied to the health of the province's cultural investments. A robust arts and culture sector will benefit all British Columbians. It helps us define who we are and what we value – creating greater connection to our communities and our shared future.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
Arts and culture, heritage and music are crucial to community and to my riding. Coming together to share a moment with others, to reflect, to learn…These are the building blocks of a strong society. Preserving and expanding on our culture and our history, properly funding and recognizing the impact of arts and the importance of providing Indigenous cultures with the resources to maintain their cultural practices is a priority in Juan de Fuca Malahat.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
Yes. The BC Greens are committed to collaborating with the sector to develop a provincial Arts, Culture, and Heritage Action Plan to guide future investments and initiatives.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Yes – the BC Greens will increase the Annual BC Arts Council budget to $55 million to enhance support for arts and culture initiatives. We will maintain COVID-era investments in arts, culture, and heritage and increase funding based on inflation to support ongoing recovery and growth.
Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream
Andrew Rose (BC Greens)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
Arts and culture are essential to a flourishing society, offering insights into our past and shaping our present and future. They foster community connections and help give voice to what we’re experiencing now and into the future.
Despite the sector’s importance, arts, culture and heritage are frequently underfunded and unsupported by all levels of government. This has led to the closure of local music venues and the shutdown of valuable programs across British Columbia, where the voices of our storytellers have traditionally found space to share.
The BC Greens recognize that the wellbeing of all British Columbians is closely tied to the health of the province's cultural investments. A robust arts and culture sector will benefit all British Columbians. It helps us define who we are and what we value – creating greater connection to our communities and our shared future.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
When I visited Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream last year, I had the foresight to schedule my trip early in the summer. I avoided the worst of the 2023 climate fires, but the air was already foul with smoke. Soon afterward, the entire province went into an unprecedented state of emergency. The arts, like everything else, cannot thrive when BC is burning.
For a rural riding like Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream, even more so than an urban riding, the arts community needs a stable climate. Music festivals must not be smoked out or struck down by deadly heatwaves, our venues and heritage sites must not burn, and our people deserve to partake in the arts instead of fleeing their homes and being summoned to emergency firefighting. This is less of a concern in, for example, downtown Vancouver, which is not at risk of entire transport corridors becoming undrivable and entire residential areas burning to the ground.
We saw what happened to Lytton and to Jasper. We've been robbed of Lake Okanagan Resort among nearly two hundred buildings in the Okanagan just in last year's climate fires alone. And, as always, the fossil fuel industry is the thief that stole these things from us.
In addition to the direct support for arts initiatives outlined in our platform and in my responses to the other questions, only the BC Green Party is committed to saving our festival season from this nightmare. We are the only party which even plans to stop actively subsidizing the fossil fuels causing these catastrophes, let alone doing everything else the crisis demands. The others will let you burn.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
Yes. The BC Greens are committed to collaborating with the sector to develop a provincial Arts, Culture, and Heritage Action Plan to guide future investments and initiatives.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Yes – the BC Greens will increase the Annual BC Arts Council budget to $55 million to enhance support for arts and culture initiatives. We will maintain COVID-era investments in arts, culture, and heritage and increase funding based on inflation to support ongoing recovery and growth.
Ladysmith-Oceanside
Adam Walker (Independent)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
Arts, culture, and heritage are the heartbeat of our community—they bring us together, create lasting memories, and make life worth living. Whether it’s cheering at a live concert in Parksville, marveling at the sandcastle competition, enjoying a play at our local theatres, or celebrating the Ladysmith Light-Up, these moments define who we are. Supporting arts and culture means supporting community, connection, and the shared experiences that make this place special.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
We have incredible artists here, and that’s something we need to celebrate. The biggest issue I hear from our art groups is that provincial funding has been frozen for too long. With more people applying, many groups are actually seeing their funding cut. As an independent, my office budget is double that of a party MLA. We were proud to sponsor many community arts and culture events, and our free grant writing service has provided a tremendous boost to our community. We intend to continue this and fight to ensure art funding at least keeps up with inflation.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
Yes, I would absolutely support a provincial action plan for Arts, Culture, and Heritage. These are not luxuries; they are essential to who we are. They create jobs, support local businesses, and bring people together. Investing in arts, culture, and heritage means investing in our quality of life, our community pride, and the legacy we leave for future generations. It’s time we ensure these vital pieces of our identity are protected and celebrated.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Yes, I would prioritize increasing investment in the arts, culture, and heritage sector. The funding freeze and cuts have hurt us all—these sectors aren’t just "nice to have"; they’re vital for our economy, our jobs, and our sense of community. When we invest in arts and culture, we support local artists, bring tourism dollars to our towns, and enrich our lives. It’s time we recognize their true value and make sure they’re properly funded now and into the future.
Langley-Abbotsford
Karen Long (Independent)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
The Langley-Abbotsford riding has a rich arts, culture, and heritage sector that includes several museums (including a wonderful BC Tel museum in Aldergrove), the Langley Arts Council, many organizations that support local artists and artisans, and numerous fairs and festivals that showcase local musicians, Indigenous storytellers, and our multicultural and diverse community.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
In my riding and in my experience, funding to support local artists, artisans, museums and fairs and festivals is a constant struggle for the organizations that support these initiatives.
During my 25 years as a community leader in Langley-Abbotsford I have held positions in many local organizations that host fairs and festivals (Aldergrove Fair, Rotary Ribfest, Fort Langley Jazz Festival, others). I have been a Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Director and Past President of several of these. I’m also the founder / former President of the Langley Volunteer Bureau, which today places over 10,000 volunteers annually, including volunteers at the events previously mentioned.
In my community I also support collaborations and partnerships that celebrate and include all aspects of art, culture and heritage focused on our multicultural and diverse community.
Multiple funding streams are usually required to sustain these organizations and help them to meet their mission and goals. They rely on volunteer board members and general volunteers to run programs and events; funding for staffing is not always available.
It is very concerning when organizations are not always guaranteed to be successful when applying for grants and funding. If elected as an Independent MLA in Langley-Abbotsford, I would support reviewing the existing provincial funding model that supports the arts, culture, and heritage, and I would be interested in looking at opportunities to provide multi-year funding (e.g. 3 year funding blocks) to support established and new initiatives in being sustainable.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
Over the years BC has developed a number of comprehensive action plans for various industries and sectors. As an Independent MLA I would be very supportive of developing such a plan for the arts, culture, and heritage.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
We have many challenges in BC at the moment, from health care, to affordability, to public safety and crime, to infrastructure deficits. I do not feel it would be right to make an empty promise regarding prioritization unless and until I am an elected MLA and have a broader picture of the true state of our province’s finances, but as a lifelong supporter and organizer of the arts, culture, and heritage I am strongly in favour of ensuring there is adequate funding for the sector.
Langley-Walnut Grove
Megan Dykeman (BC NDP)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
Arts, culture and heritage are the backbone of a community. It's how we express ourselves, how we ground ourselves in belonging and I believe it needs to be supported.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
75% of the Township of Langley is protected by the ALR - we are a community of farmers. I believe Langley’s agricultural heritage needs to be preserved while providing opportunity for arts and culture to thrive.
From 2018 – 2023 the BC NDP have supported multiple arts organizations in Langley through the Arts Council of British Columbia, including Amplify B.C., the B.C. Arts Council, the Fairs Festivals and Events Fund, Community Gaming Grants and more. These events bring the community together to build an inclusive and diverse community. We have also supported multiple large tourist events in Langley, including the World Cup Tournament at Thunderbird Show Park, the 2019 West Coast Parkour Championships and the FIL World Indoor Lacrosse Championship.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
David Eby and the BC NDP are expanding the Arts, Culture and Sports Infrastructure Fund that helps local community and cultural organizations bring people together, and inform, entertain and engage ever- widening audiences.
We will continue to support the heart of communities by investing in tourism, arts and culture activities locals and visitors alike love most. Including helping local community and cultural organizations, by continuing our historic level of support. We all must work together to ensure organizations and associations remain able to deliver programming and events.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Funding and support for arts and culture has never been as strong or as extensive in BC history. From arts and literature to festivals and museums, we will continue to build a thriving arts and culture sector that keeps our communities vibrant and healthy. We are bringing people together to celebrate their communities, cultures and love of local arts by providing stable, year-over-year funding for fairs, festivals and events.
Rustad’s Conservatives do not share the belief that fully funded programs and institutions benefit communities. Whether it be connecting children and youth with skills and supports to create well rounded students or providing volunteer opportunities for senior citizens to share their rich local heritage, we know that John Rustad and his team will slash budgets and cancel projects. When it comes to giving further tax breaks to their wealthy friends, arts funding will be the first item on the chopping block to stoke that fire.
David Eby and our BC NDP team have not only helped grow arts and culture at home but kept costs down for art students, museum visitors, festival-goers and families participating in arts and culture activities in our home communities.
Nanaimo-Gabriola Island
Sheila Malcolmson (BC NDP)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
The region of Nanaimo-Gabriola is immersed in creative art. When we all know the stories of our heritage and our past, we are better rooted in community and united in facing the challenges of the future. The arts have had a special role in moving us forward together on reconciliation, and are clearly good medicine in hard times. That’s why we’ve increased funding for the arts, and why we returned festival funding, so that people can gather together. Economically, in Nanaimo - Gabriola we have the highest per capita artists anywhere in the country. I’m grateful for all of the voices and ways of expressing, which help us all.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
Affordability is the most important issue for artists and art. When we put more money in people's pockets, as we are through things like affordable childcare, dropping ICBC rates, canceling MSP fees, and tackling the housing crisis, artists can focus on Art. This also includes consumers of art who can afford to come out and support. There is reciprocity there, and when we lift everyone up we all do better.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
Our Action Plan supports expansion of the Arts, Culture & Sports Infrastructure Fund that helps local community and cultural organizations bring people together.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Our goal is to provide stable, year-over-year funding for fairs, festivals and events through an Arts, Culture & Sports Infrastructure Fund.
Shirley Lambrecht (BC Greens)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
The arts connect people, heal people, tell stories, and are an outlet for joy, pain, and everything in between. The arts can teach and communicate, provide respite, pique curiosity, and provide cathartic release. Every culture and every artist shares their own unique history through their art. Arts, culture, and heritage is alive and rich in the Nanaimo-Gabriola riding. Many artists and craftspeople settle in this area. The natural world we are endowed with in our riding offers a magnificant and inspiring backdrop for one to explore artistic expression. We are blessed to have so many gifted people sharing their talents with us right here at home.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
As I view most things through the lens of healing and wellness, I see the practice, sharing, and celebration of arts, culture, and heritage as one of the best forms of therapy for us individually and as a community. We are facing so many challenges and crises in our outer and inner worlds. Art is a balm to the human spirit. By sharing our art, our culture, and our histories we learn about each other which helps to dissolve barriers between us. They can be a powerful force for reconciliation. Art, whether it be graphic arts, crafts, performance arts, music, or literature, often helps us to transcend our challenges, lift our spirits and see things in new, sometimes old, and novel ways. It can be a unifying force rather than divisive, which we experience all too often. Celebrating Arts, Culture, and Heritage elevates us all. It offers us hope, connection, and renewal.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
I view it critical to the health of our communities to have a plan in place to promote Arts, Culture, and Heritage in our communities, our art galleries and shops, our schools, correctional facilities, hospitals, and care facilities serving people from early learning to seniors' education, from all histories and personal circumstances.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Yes, definitely.
Nechako Lakes
Murphy Abraham (BC NDP)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
We are bringing people together to celebrate their communities and love of local arts and culture by providing stable, year-over-year funding for fairs, festivals and events. We will work with artists, communities and artist-led organizations like the BC Coalition for Arts, Culture, and Heritage, to tackle ongoing challenges the sector faces, such as reduced revenue and sponsorships and the rising costs of equipment and services. Rustad’s Conservatives don’t believe in the importance arts and culture play in building an inclusive and diverse community. We do, and we will continue to invest tens of millions of dollars to local, regional and Indigenous organizations across the province - many of those connected to the BC Coalition for Arts, Culture, and Heritage - through programs like the Community Grants Fund and the BC Fairs, Festivals and Events fund.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
David Eby and the BC NDP believe access to new and modern arts institutions should not be restricted to those living in cities and suburbs. We know BC is home to world-renowned artists and organizations that enrich the entirety of our province. That is why we are ensuring organizations across the province, including those in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, can take advantage of our Arts Infrastructure Program to make sure their communities are able to invest and grow their burgeoning art scenes or ensure their young people can develop their creative skills. This program enables organizations to develop and enhance spaces that support the work of BC’s arts and cultural practitioners. Typically, 50% of grants are distributed to organizations from rural or remote communities or those led by or rooted in Indigenous and equity-deserving communities.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
David Eby and the BC NDP are expanding the Arts, Culture and Sports Infrastructure Fund that helps local community and cultural organizations bring people together, and inform, entertain and engage ever- widening audiences. We will continue to support the heart of communities by investing in tourism, arts and culture activities locals and visitors alike love most. Including helping local community and cultural organizations, by continuing our historic level of support. We all must work together to ensure organizations and associations remain able to deliver programming and events.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Funding and support for arts and culture has never been as strong or as extensive in BC history. From arts and literature to festivals and museums, we will continue to build a thriving arts and culture sector that keeps our communities vibrant and healthy. We are bringing people together to celebrate their communities, cultures and love of local arts by providing stable, year-over-year funding for fairs, festivals and events.
Rustad’s Conservatives do not share the belief that fully funded programs and institutions benefit communities. Whether it be connecting children and youth with skills and supports to create well rounded students or providing volunteer opportunities for senior citizens to share their rich local heritage, we know that John Rustad and his team will slash budgets and cancel projects. When it comes to giving further tax breaks to their wealthy friends, arts funding will be the first item on the chopping block to stoke that fire.
David Eby and his BC NDP team have not only helped grow arts and culture at home but kept costs down for art students, museum visitors, festival-goers and families participating in arts and culture activities in our home communities.
Oak Bay-Gordon Head
Dr. Lisa Gunderson (BC Greens)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
Arts and culture are essential to a flourishing society, offering insights into our past and shaping our present and future. They foster community connections and help give voice to what we’re experiencing now and into the future.
Despite the sector’s importance, arts, culture and heritage are frequently underfunded and unsupported by all levels of government. This has led to the closure of local music venues and the shutdown of valuable programs across British Columbia, where the voices of our storytellers have traditionally found space to share.
The BC Greens recognize that the wellbeing of all British Columbians is closely tied to the health of the province's cultural investments. A robust arts and culture sector will benefit all British Columbians. It helps us define who we are and what we value – creating greater connection to our communities and our shared future.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
Historically, governments in this province have devalued art and culture. Colonization resulted in the theft of First Nations' art and culture, alongside the destruction and burning of numerous heritage sites. Preserving the province's rich and vibrant history is essential, as is providing Indigenous communities with the necessary resources to sustain their cultural practices.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
Yes. The BC Greens are committed to collaborating with the sector to develop a provincial Arts, Culture, and Heritage Action Plan to guide future investments and initiatives.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Yes – the BC Greens will increase the Annual BC Arts Council budget to $55 million to enhance support for arts and culture initiatives. We will maintain COVID-era investments in arts, culture, and heritage and increase funding based on inflation to support ongoing recovery and growth.
Richmond-Bridgeport
Charlie Smith (Independent)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
Arts and culture are critically important if we are to successfully make a transition to a sustainable economy. We must embrace an economy far more rooted in experiences rather than continuing to subsidize fossil-fuel production and the mass consumption of goods. There is no other option if humanity is to survive in the 21st century. Richmond-Bridgeport can play a key role in this if it has a culturally and climate-literate MLA who understands the connections between investments in the arts, tourism, equity, and democratic discourse.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
Richmond-Bridgeport has a shortage of venues. I would work with the development community, Richmond's mayor and councillors, the Vancouver Airport Authority, the housing minister, and the minister of tourism, arts, culture and sport to place a major cultural venue near one of the several Canada Line stations in the constituency. Why not a satellite of the Richmond Art Gallery at Templeton Station? How about a satellite of the Scotiabank Dance Centre at the new Captstain Station? We must look upon investments in the arts through the lens of sustainability.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
I absolutely support a provincial action plan related to arts, culture, and heritage. It's essential.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
The first priority for Richmond-Bridgeport should be venues within walking distance of Canada Line stations. Secondly, the base annual budget of the B.C. Arts Council should increase from $39 million to $200 million at a minimum. Hills Strategies and others have documented the multiplier effect on employment from investment in arts and culture. It is a labour-intensive industry. Stand.earth issued a report showing that fossil fuel subsidies reached $1 billion annually under Premier John Horgan. We can afford to dramatically increase the budget of the B.C. Arts Council by reducing fossil fuel subsidies. The B.C. Arts Council functions through a jury system, which makes it more likely that it's merit-based. My third priority is reducing systemic discrimination in arts funding by making the process less reliant on filling out countless forms, which rewards people with superior written English skills and organizations with larger staffs with expertise in applying for funds. I'm disappointed that the B.C. government is prepared to throw huge sums of money at hosting seven World Cup soccer matches when that money would be better spent on developing arts venues and supporting B.C. artists. If elected, I would try to leverage major events such as the World Cup and the Invictus Games to support arts and culture, just as the Cultural Olympiad did during the 2010 Winter Games.
Tamás Revoczi (BC Greens)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
Living on Sea Island, I am constantly surprised by new historical facts that I continue to learn about this area. For instance, just the fact that Sea Island was, in fact, the birthplace of the City of Richmond is something that is often overlooked. Additionally, before the airport expanded to its current size, we had several communities on sea island which would have made the total population about two or three times the size that it currently is. Additionally, recognizing the importance of the deep heritage in this riding, I've been working to build relationships with groups like the Sea Island Heritage Society to preserve, promote and develop our vital historical resources, in both backward looking and forward-looking perspectives and directions.
Likewise, while there is considerable recognition and development of public art and culture in other parts of Richmond, this riding, specifically Sea Island remains neglected and needs equal or greater focus.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
In neighbouring Steveston, the "powers that be" have recognized the importance of and developed the Gulf of Georgia (GoG) Cannery, with a number of local and governmental agencies of all levels. On Sea Island, we had not one, but several canneries. Additionally, due in part to the development of our other “big neighbour” to the West, namely the Vancouver International Airport (YVR), as well as the historical presence of several RCAF squadrons and aviation related business for over 80 years, we have a deep history of aviation on the island. Not only could we have a similar facility to Steveston's GOG Cannery, we absolutely should have a much broader exploration and development of our aviation history. There are many ways we should explore this but perhaps, the key area might be in the form of an aviation museum or similar facility do what Steveston has managed to do with their Cannery. This would not only recognize our history but give opportunities to explore and showcase our local, public art, music, festivals across our broad range of diverse cultures we have here on Sea Island and across the entire riding.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
Yes. As the BC Green Party, we believe arts and culture are essential to a healthy community. We believe it is important to work together on a provincial action plan [that] can help us bridge the gaps to create a more robust and flourishing society that will benefit all British Columbians.
Perhaps you've heard me use the analogy of our Community as a tree. In this case, I think of arts, culture and heritage as the “leaves” of our tree, without the nourishment of which, the tree can't express, display. explore and develop its life force and will not be able to survive, much less thrive. Supporting these “leaves” is of critical importance.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Yes. As a musician, composer and artist, arts and culture hold a special place in my heart. I understand their value and the impact they can have. As your BC Green Party MLA, I would support the following policies:
- Increasing the annual BC Arts Council budget to $55 million to enhance support for arts and culture initiatives.
- Maintain COVID-era investments in arts, culture, and heritage, and increase funding based on inflation to support ongoing recovery and growth.
The BC Green Party will also provide additional funding streams for BC museums through two new programs:
- The Ongoing Heritage Legacy Fund; an annual allocation of $500,000 to support operational needs, addressing past funding cuts and stakeholder concerns.
- The Archives Grant Program; an annual grant of $50,000 to assist with digitization and proper archival processes, ensuring the preservation of cultural artifacts, especially in light of climate impacts.
Saanich North and the Islands
David Busch (BC Conservatives)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
I acknowledge the great value the arts play in our society. This sector provides many jobs and boosts our local economies. They also provide social benefits, education, and better overall well-being. We need to ensure we showcase and preserve our history and heritage so that our future generations understand our beginnings.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
I would like to establish an Action Plan developed with the First Nations and indigenous peoples that promotes cultural art pieces - displayed in private or publicly - that are created by a local artist from the area/territory. These efforts can be used as an educational tool, culture revitalization, as well as acknowledgement of territorial lands. There are four First Nations communities in the Saanich North and the Islands riding and I look forward to working with them and other community partners to showcase local talents.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
Yes, I would support the development of such a plan, as I noted above. I recognize what an important investment this is for our province. If we can improve the health and well-being of our communities, showcase local artists, provide jobs and employment, and enhance our communities on a global stage, then this is a plan I support.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Conditionally yes. It is too soon to be making specific budget decisions beyond our core priorities. However, I would be an advocate for ensuring that we increase investment towards the arts, culture and heritage sector.
Rob Botterell (BC Greens)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
Arts and culture are essential to a flourishing society, offering insights into our past and shaping our present and future. They foster community connections and help give voice to what we’re experiencing now and into the future.
Despite the sector’s importance, arts, culture and heritage are frequently underfunded and unsupported by all levels of government. This has led to the closure of local music venues and the shutdown of valuable programs across British Columbia, where the voices of our storytellers have traditionally found space to share.
The BC Greens recognize that the wellbeing of all British Columbians is closely tied to the health of the province's cultural investments. A robust arts and culture sector will benefit all British Columbians. It helps us define who we are and what we value – creating greater connection to our communities and our shared future.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
Historically, governments in this province have devalued art and culture. Colonization resulted in the theft of First Nations' art and culture, alongside the destruction and burning of numerous heritage sites. Preserving the province's rich and vibrant history is essential, as is providing Indigenous communities with the necessary resources to sustain their cultural practices.
The Royal BC Museum is located in the heart of our capital city (Victoria Beacon-Hill riding). We believe the RBCM has the capacity to be a facilitator for repatriation of First Nations’ items from across the country, and around the globe. The BC Greens will create a centralized service for repatriation, that assists Indigenous communities work with and liaise with global institutions where the items are. Most of those institutions have policies about transferring only to other institutions that can ""protect"" the items. We would run this through the RBCM, and then to the community.
Develop a centralized service with the Royal BC Museum that assists Indigenous communities with repatriation of cultural items – by working and liaising with global institutions, the service would streamline of Indigenous repatriation.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
Yes. The BC Greens are committed to collaborating with the sector to develop a provincial Arts, Culture, and Heritage Action Plan to guide future investments and initiatives.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Yes – the BC Greens will increase the Annual BC Arts Council budget to $55 million to enhance support for arts and culture initiatives. We will maintain COVID-era investments in arts, culture, and heritage and increase funding based on inflation to support ongoing recovery and growth.
Salmon Arm-Shuswap
Jed Wiebe (BC Greens)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
Arts, culture, and heritage are vital to the identity and well-being of British Columbia and our communities. They play a key role in building resilient, creative, and inclusive communities, helping us to connect with our past, express our present, and envision our future. For my riding, arts and culture bring people together, foster a sense of belonging, and support the local economy through tourism, events, and the growth of creative industries. They also celebrate the unique heritage of Indigenous communities and diverse cultural groups, helping us to better understand each other and the land we share.
The BC Greens believe that supporting the arts and cultural sector is essential to enhancing community vibrancy, mental well-being, and economic sustainability.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
One of the most pressing issues is access to sustainable funding for arts and cultural initiatives, particularly for small and community-based organizations. Many local artists and cultural groups struggle to find consistent financial support, which limits their ability to showcase local talent, preserve heritage, and offer cultural experiences to the broader community.
To address this, I will advocate for increased and more stable funding for the arts and cultural sector. I will also support initiatives that foster collaboration between local government, businesses, and community groups to create sustainable programs that ensure the arts can thrive. This could include exploring grant programs or public-private partnerships that offer long-term financial support to cultural initiatives in the community.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
Yes, I would absolutely support the development of a provincial action plan for Arts, Culture, and Heritage. A comprehensive plan would help ensure that these sectors are prioritized and that the benefits of arts and culture are distributed across all regions, including rural and underserved communities. The action plan could focus on increased access to arts and cultural activities, preservation of heritage sites, and the promotion of Indigenous arts and culture.
This plan would also help us address issues such as funding gaps, infrastructure needs, and the challenges faced by artists and cultural workers, ensuring that the arts sector is supported, resilient, and accessible to all British Columbians.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Yes, I would advocate for increased investment in the arts, culture, and heritage sectors in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond. The BC Greens understand that a strong arts and culture sector is not only important for community well-being, but also contributes to economic growth, education, and tourism. Investing in these sectors also supports mental health and social connection, which are increasingly important as we navigate the challenges posed by climate change and economic uncertainty.
Prioritizing funding for arts and culture in future budgets would enable us to build vibrant, diverse, and connected communities where creativity is valued, and cultural heritage is preserved and celebrated.
Skeena
Teri Young (BC Greens)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
Arts and culture are essential to a flourishing society, offering insights into our past and shaping our present and future. They foster community connections and help give voice to what we’re experiencing now and into the future.
Despite the sector’s importance, arts, culture and heritage are frequently underfunded and unsupported by all levels of government. This has led to the closure of local music venues and the shutdown of valuable programs across British Columbia, where the voices of our storytellers have traditionally found space to share.
The BC Greens recognize that the wellbeing of all British Columbians is closely tied to the health of the province's cultural investments. A robust arts and culture sector will benefit all British Columbians. It helps us define who we are and what we value – creating greater connection to our communities and our shared future.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
Historically, governments in this province have devalued art and culture. Colonization resulted in the theft of First Nations' art and culture, alongside the destruction and burning of numerous heritage sites. Preserving the province's rich and vibrant history is essential, as is providing Indigenous communities with the necessary resources to sustain their cultural practices.
Skeena has a varied and vibrant group of communities, from the Nass in the north, through the Terrace area, and down to Skeena. Each of these communities have diverse interests and needs, yet all will share in the common vision of maintaining and building a vibrant and alive Community that celebrates differences and embraces similarities. Music, Drama, Dance, visual arts, structural (large scale) art projects as well as Museums and living cultural practices are all so very important to ensuring we connect and grow together.
I believe that without inviting and supporting the arts, our entire society, and our children in particular, suffer.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
Yes. The BC Greens are committed to collaborating with the sector to develop a provincial Arts, Culture, and Heritage Action Plan to guide future investments and initiatives.
The Royal BC Museum is located in the heart of our capital city (Victoria Beacon-Hill riding). We believe the RBCM has the capacity to be a facilitator for repatriation of First Nations’ items from across the country, and around the globe. The BC Greens will create a centralized service for repatriation, that assists Indigenous communities work with and liaise with global institutions where the items are. Most of those institutions have policies about transferring only to other institutions that can "protect" the items. We would run this through the RBCM, and then to the community.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Yes – the BC Greens will increase the Annual BC Arts Council budget to $55 million to enhance support for arts and culture initiatives. We will maintain COVID-era investments in arts, culture, and heritage and increase funding based on inflation to support ongoing recovery and growth.
Surrey-Serpentine River
Linda Hepner (BC Conservatives)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
Surrey is a city that is rich with a tradition of supporting the arts and culture community. As a city councillor, and then as the mayor of Surrey I always championed the creative sector, understanding that not only does art and culture bridge the gap between cultures and time periods, they are also significant economic generators for our city. Arts, culture and heritage enhances our city, making spaces more vibrant and meaningful. They play a critical role in forming and expressing cultural identity, something that is incredibly important where so many ethnic communities call Surrey home! Arts and culture celebrate diversity and encourage cultural exchange.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
The arts, culture and heritage sector continue to be significantly underfunded, with no funding certainty from year to year. This lack of sustainable funding prevents arts organizations from properly planning or signing long-term vendor agreements which would also improve the economics of organizations who have years or decades of trusted experience of delivering arts and culture to our cities in British Columbia. We also make the arts and culture community work to the government’s fiscal timetable, which completely eliminates proper planning for cultural events – imagine putting on a cultural event in May, but not finding out until March if you are going to receive a cultural grant, and if so, how much? It’s time the BC government puts common sense into the equation, and looks to the arts and culture community as a partner in a very important economic driver for the social and economic health of our Province.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
Yes, I believe that cultural infrastructure should be recognized as the economic driver that it is. Historically arts, culture and heritage are missing from our province’s long-term growth strategy, where government acknowledges the economic generation in the form of accommodations, food, travel and retail that our arts and culture sector generates annually in British Columbia. It makes sense, both economically and socially, that we support our arts, culture and heritage sector.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Yes. Investing in arts and culture is, quite simply, smart. A strong arts and culture sector is an economic asset that stimulates business activity, attracts tourism and expands our city’s work force and tax base. Historically, investments in the arts and culture sectors have been missing long-term growth strategies. The arts are often seen as a “nice to have” in policy making and are seldom as the major economic drivers they are. I believe this is short sighted, and I would advocate strongly for a planned investment strategy for the arts, culture and heritage sector.
Vancouver-Little Mountain
Wendy Hayko (BC Greens)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
Arts and culture are essential to a flourishing society, offering insights into our past and shaping our present and future. They foster community connections and help give voice to what we’re experiencing now and into the future.
Despite the sector’s importance, arts, culture and heritage are frequently underfunded and unsupported by all levels of government. This has led to the closure of local music venues and the shutdown of valuable programs across British Columbia, where the voices of our storytellers have traditionally found space to share.
The BC Greens recognize that the wellbeing of all British Columbians is closely tied to the health of the province's cultural investments. A robust arts and culture sector will benefit all British Columbians. It helps us define who we are and what we value – creating greater connection to our communities and our shared future.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
Vancouver-Little Mountain's shared arts, culture and heritage is vividly displayed on public murals, live theatre and film theater. Keeping these spaces vibrant with new and traditional programming so audiences can share and participate individually and as groups in the ongoing story of this amazing community and build, through a shared vision of a future for ourselves and our children, is an investment I support.
I will advocate on behalf of artists and creators for increased arts and culture initiatives in Vancouver-Little Mountain.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
Yes. The BC Greens are committed to collaborating with the sector to develop a provincial Arts, Culture, and Heritage Action Plan to guide future investments and initiatives.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Yes – the BC Greens will increase the Annual BC Arts Council budget to $55 million to enhance support for arts and culture initiatives. We will maintain COVID-era investments in arts, culture, and heritage and increase funding based on inflation to support ongoing recovery and growth.
Vancouver-Strathcona
Simon de Weerdt (BC Greens)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
Our collective wellbeing is closely tied to the health of the province’s cultural investments.
Arts, culture and heritage inform our memories and light our collective stories of what has been and what will be in the coming years.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
There are many, perhaps most important will be the celebration of Indigenous stories, language and traditions, especially, the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Watuth local to Vancouver - Strathcona.
Together with traditions of all the peoples that live in Vancouver - Strathcona, our collective experience.
I will support the Arts, Culture, and Heritage sector in British Columbia through increased funding and strategic planning and through support of First Nations repatriation of artifacts.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
Yes, and this is part of the BC Greens platform.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Yes
Victoria-Swan Lake
Christina Winter (BC Greens)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
The arts, culture, and heritage are how we express and understand our community, our lives, and our world. Whether it be in celebration or in critical examination, the arts are crucial for a healthy and flourishing society. Culture and cultural events are one of the things that people prize about living here in the capital region, and our heritage both connects us to our history and should be used to inform our present and future.
Whether it be in the education system or in the broader community, governments should be invested in promoting and supporting the arts, culture, and heritage sector. BC Greens believe that a flourishing society includes universal access to arts programming and cultural events.
Whether it be volunteering at the Gorge Canada Day Picnic and appreciating the Gorge on Art displays, exploring the Greater Fernwood Art Stroll to discover so many wonderful examples of both public and private art and the artists who make them, or seeing a show at the Roxy, my life has been enriched by the wonderful arts, culture, and heritage sector here in Victoria-Swan Lake, and I am invested in better supporting it to thrive now and into the future.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
A long-term underfunding of the arts, culture, and heritage sector has led to systemic gaps and a need for a holistic approach to increase funding and plan for a sustainable future for the sector. The BC Greens propose to strengthen the arts, culture, and heritage sector in British Columbia through increased funding and strategic planning that includes collaboration with the sector to develop a provincial Arts, Culture, and Heritage Action Plan to guide future investments and initiatives.
As your MLA, it would be my responsibility to learn from you which investments and initiatives are necessary to create a long-term, sustainable funding model for a thriving arts, culture, and heritage sector here in Victoria-Swan Lake. I want to ensure that we have the physical infrastructure, the technical expertise and capacity, and the supportive workplaces necessary to support those who work in the sector and allow them to build full lives here in the region.
That includes a region where everyone in the sector can access housing that’s affordable for their wages, childcare services that match the needs of their working hours, and both physical and mental health care whenever it is needed in a community health centre. Creators, technicians, and everyone who works in the sector should have the secure lives they need to create the artistic, cultural, and heritage works that benefit all of us in our region and across British Columbia.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
Yes. This is a proposal of the BC Greens 2024 platform and I fully support this policy.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
Yes. We should be making both immediate and long term investments in the arts, culture and heritage sector to create immediate relief and a sustainable future.
West Kelowna-Peachland
Krystal Smith (BC NDP)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
I believe the Arts bring awareness to important social issues, encouraging exploration and understanding, dialogue and offering new perspectives on life.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
The BC NDP team have not only helped grow arts and culture at home but kept costs down for art students, museum visitors, festival-goers and anybody participating in arts and culture activities in our home communities.
Rustad’s Conservatives do not share the belief that fully funded programs and institutions benefit communities. Whether it be connecting children and youth with skills and supports to create well rounded students or providing volunteer opportunities for senior citizens to share their rich local heritage, we know that John Rustad and his team will slash budgets and cancel projects. When it comes to giving further tax breaks to their wealthy friends, arts funding will be the first item on the chopping block to stoke that fire.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
Funding and support for arts and culture has never been as strong or as extensive in BC history. From arts and literature to festivals and museums, we will continue to build a thriving arts and culture sector that keeps our communities vibrant and healthy.
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
In a growing economy, it would certainly be an important investment.
West Vancouver-Capilano
Archie Kaario (BC Greens)
Why are arts, culture, and heritage important to BC and your riding?
It provides inspiration, innovation and employment opportunities for the community. Arts, culture and heritage help to develop and maintain a sense of community which is so vital in maintaining a healthy and vibrant society. More attention should be given to this part of the economy and I support the creation for an Action Plan for the Province by the BC government.
What is the single most important issue related to arts, culture, and heritage in your riding, and what action will you take to address it?
Providing an opportunity for local talent to perform by providing them with a positive venue be it in the form of a gallery or stage setting.
Would you support the development of a provincial action plan related to Arts, Culture, and Heritage?
YES
Would you prioritize increasing the investment toward the arts, culture, and heritage sector in the 2025-2026 budget and beyond?
YES