TORONTO - Some of Canada's most recognizable film and TV stars took aim Wednesday at Prime Minister Stephen Harper's assertion that working-class Canadians cannot relate to artists who go to "rich galas" and whine about their government subsidies.
"I like to think I'm an ordinary working person in an extraordinary industry called show business -- and I stress, business," said Art Hindle, who has acted in some 60 films.
"This industry more than pays its way, and like every other industry, it must have the active support of its government."
Hindle and more than 20 performers -- including Colm Feore, Gordon Pinsent and Wendy Crewson -- attended a news conference to highlight the importance of homegrown culture and condemn the Conservative government for cutting $45 million from arts programs.
Feore, who won a Gemini Award for his portrayal of former prime minister Pierre Trudeau in the 2002 TV miniseries "Trudeau," said his role as an artist is to "hold the mirror up to nature."
"We have to, by our moral obligation, show Mr. Harper who he really is," said Feore. "God forbid I should get to play him."
The gathering of performers -- members of the actors union ACTRA -- came a day after Harper called culture a "niche issue" for Canadians and characterized artists as complainers. He also said every group can't get everything it wants.
While Harper has said the overall budget of Canadian Heritage has climbed eight per cent, the department encompasses a wide range of programming, including sport, youth, citizenship and identity, diversity and multiculturalism. The cuts have so far only targeted the department's arts-and-culture arm.
ACTRA's national president Richard Hardacre noted that the arts provide 1.1 million jobs within cultural industries and contribute $86 billion to the GDP.
"Culture is a mainstream interest to the economy of our country," he said.
"I think Canadians understand (culture) is a catalyst for prosperity, that it attracts knowledge-based workers," added Crewson, whose TV credits include "ReGenesis" and "24."
"That means more teachers, more doctors in our communities. I'm tired of being told (culture) doesn't matter."
Over the summer, the Tories cut the $9-million Trade Routes program that supported film and music exports and the $4.7-million PromArt program, which provided grants to artists travelling abroad to promote Canadian culture. The Telefilm Canada budget, meanwhile, was slashed by $16.7 million.
The artists said such cuts could seriously jeopardize their industry.
"Stephen, the arts is the economy, stupid," said Karl Pruner, president of ACTRA Toronto.
"Why is it we talk about investing in the auto sector, investing in the energy sector, and handouts to the arts? Are we tired of this? I think so."
The performers urged voters to express their displeasure with the cuts at the ballot box and demand the government restore stable funding to the arts. Opposition parties have pledged to restore arts funding.
The artists also denounced Bill C-10, which would allow the government to deny tax benefits for Canadian-made films if the content was deemed objectionable.
Speaking in Montreal, Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe said Harper doesn't understand the importance of government subsidies.
"Those like Stephen Harper who treat artists like bunches of spoiled children forget a bit too quickly what effect (government) grants have," he said.
"For example, the cuts by the Conservatives in culture affect the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, which must find other sources of financing for its international tours. ... While touring the world, the MSO is worth millions in publicity for Montreal and Quebec -- and also for Canada."
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, meanwhile, defended arts funding Wednesday as he announced an exhibit of Dead Sea scrolls at the Royal Ontario Museum.
"We attach high value to arts and culture ... which enriches us not only economically, but in so many other ways," McGuinty said.
"This is an important pursuit. It simply enriches the enjoyment of our lives (and) I think that's pretty powerful stuff. I think we should continue to find ways to support arts and culture."
McGuinty's culture minister, Aileen Carroll, was even stronger in her condemnation of Harper's criticism of the arts community.
"I'm very disappointed in what this (Conservative) government's approach has been," said Carroll, adding that arts in Ontario contribute $20 billion a year to the province's economy.
"I can't understand why everything we understand here in this province is not understood at the federal level. (Harper's) comments yesterday just completely leave me flabbergasted."
Feore called the arts an intrinsic part of Canada's identity.
"If we lose that, and lose sight of the value of that, it's going to be gone forever," he warned. "And there will be no bringing it back. The fact that it's economically viable and makes good business sense is just a bonus."
