My big opinion is this… most artists understand that in harsh economic times we can get by with less. We get that. Generally most artists are grateful for the pittance we have and have appropriately low expectations. However I don’t get the impression that the cuts are inspired by fiscal crisis. The impression we get is that the Prime Minister doesn’t believe in government support of the arts, and has a problem with some of the art that has been created by Canadian artists. I don’t know if this is true, but that’s what I perceive. I think if he said just once ‘Hey, I’m proud of Canadian artists. Unfortunately due to a looming fiscal crisis, we need to scale back many govt programs, but we will find a way to ensure that the world gets to see the best of what this country has to offer.’ If he said that, then I might listen. But he isn’t saying that. Nor will he.

Part of embracing diversity is taking pride of the talent we have in this country, but it is disconcerting when the Prime Minister won’t take pride in the talent we have in this country.