To conclude, artists constitute one of the largest segments of the workforce. The Canadian arts and culture sector generates $85 billion per year in revenues. In 2008 the Conference Board of Canada calculated this at 7% of Canada's GDP.
Statistics Canada reported in 2005—we don't have the updated statistics—that Canadians spend twice as much on live performing arts, $1.4 billion, as they do on sports.
Over the past two years the Quebec Community Groups Network has identified arts and culture as an important factor in community development.
The Department of Canadian Heritage's recent review of support for OLMCs decided that the program would prioritize sustained actions in three key areas for community vitality: actions aimed at youth, arts, culture and heritage, and media and communications.
Artists make an important contribution to identity and vitality for the English-speaking community, and they make an important contribution to dialogue with the linguistic majority. Arts and culture can also be an important factor in our communities' economic development.
Thank you.