Question Period Note: $418 million Emergency Fund to Canadian Heritage – Supplementary Estimates (A) 2020-21

The 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A) were tabled in Parliament on June 2, 2020 and represent a total increase of $418.0 million for the department.

• On May 8, 2020, the Government announced details of the $500 million COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund for artists, creators and athletes.
• By way of 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A), the Department of Canadian Heritage will receive $418 million from the COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund.
• This funding will address the urgent needs of Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations.
• These organizations play an essential role in Canadian society, promoting social integration, tolerance, solidarity, and a source of civic pride. They are also major drivers of the Canadian economy.

o The President of the Treasury Board tables the Supplementary Estimates in order to obtain Parliament’s authority to adjust the government's expenditure plan, as reflected in the Estimates for that fiscal year.
o The Supplementary Estimates seek authority to revise spending levels, which Parliament will be asked to approve in an Appropriation Act. They inform Parliament of changes to the estimated expenditures that will be made under the authority of statutes previously passed by Parliament.
o The 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A) were tabled in Parliament on June 2, 2020.
o In response to the significant economic impacts of COVID-19, the Government of Canada has undertaken a number of robust actions to support Canadians and Canadian businesses. These actions include both industry-specific supports and broadly applicable measures.
o COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations: A temporary relief measure to meet the financial needs of cultural, heritage and sport organizations facing significant losses due to COVID-19, so they can continue to support artists and athletes.
o The goal of the $500 million in funding is to ensure business continuity for organizations whose viability has been negatively impacted by COVID-19. The Fund will provide financial support consistent with other assistance measures in place such as the Canada Emergency Business Account. It will be administered by Canadian Heritage with the support of its partners. The $500 million is divided between the following organizations: $418 million to the Department of Canadian Heritage, $55 million to the Canada Council for the Arts and $27 million to Telefilm Canada.
o The overall increase for the Department of Canadian Heritage is primarily explained by funding to support the following:
• Up to $326.8 million distributed by Canadian Heritage and divided among select Canadian Heritage programs and as well as key delivery organizations, specifically:
o $198.3 million would be provided to arts and culture beneficiaries through existing programs as well as to other organizations that have demonstrated need;
o $72 million would be provided to the sport sector;
o $53 million would be provided to the heritage sector through the emergency component of the Museums Assistance Program;
o $3.5 million would be provided for COVID-related projects under the Digital Citizen Initiative;
• $88.8 million would be distributed by the Canada Media Fund to support the Canadian audiovisual sector.
• The use of the remaining funds will be assessed on an as-needed basis.
o In addition, Canadian Heritage is ensuring flexibility for funding recipients whose activities have been impacted by COVID-19 (such as cancelled events) by adjusting our funding agreements for grants and contributions to provide flexibility to adjust to situations where the original scope of activities need to be changed or, in some cases, where activities are cancelled entirely.

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