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Thursday, June 05, 2008
Does the Heritage Minister hate Bill C-10?
Senator David Angus, chair of the Banking Committee studying Bill C-10, adjourned a committee meeting and then spoke freely to someone who I think is a staffer. The short, frank conversation was picked up by an open mike.
According to comments made by Conservative Senator Angus, Heritage Minister Josée Verner "hates" Bill C-10.
Bill C-10 would deny tax credits to Canadian film and video productions that are considered offensive to the Heritage Minister and that contain messages and themes that are contrary to government public policy. The bill is being held up in the Senate, having passed through debate and committee stages of the House.
While we don’t get an explanation as to why Minister Verner might hate the proposed legislation, it likely has something to do with the growing opposition to the bill coming from both the film industry and libertarian-minded critics of expanding ministerial powers.
For the full story, read this Western Standard news exclusive “Will the Tories blink on Bill C-10?”
Posted by Matthew Johnston on June 5, 2008 in Canadian Politics | Permalink
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Comments
Mr. Johnston,
This Bill is highly unpopular in Québec and Josée Verner knows it.
Of course she hates it.
She's stuck between pushing a Bill that will either cost her future political life and credibility in Québec OR her job for Harper if she keeps criticizing this far-Right initiative.
I would not like to be in her shoes right now.
Add this Bill to the article from the Globe and Mail witch was pointing at the Tories controlling media coverage and journalists in Afghanistan; and you have a proof that Harper is dancing dangerously with the 8th step toward fascism.
This government has put in place most of those steps already. I just hope Verner lose her job for criticizing the bill and then, hopefully, people will start to wake up and realize how hurtful for Canada this government really is.
Posted by: Marc | 2008-06-05 7:03:22 AM
The only solution is to scrap all funding/tax credits to this industry, and a wiser solution would be to scrap the Ministry of Heritage. Many of us are fed up seeing our tax dollars used to feed all the pigs at the trough.
Posted by: Alain | 2008-06-05 12:56:03 PM
"pigs" here might represent people that care about culture and history, eh Alain ?
Canadian culture & history bring enough money into this country that I don't see why an industry like that might be the first to be controlled or cut of their tax credits.
Moreover, it helps as a reminder of what Canada is about and what we stand for. It gives us a voice, an indentity and a light in the world.
Many here are obssessed with free speech and the cases wicth involved many neocons - but when Harper wishes to control the medias and what art is create based on what's ok for the extrem religious minority...
Hypocrites.
Speaking of religious minority...how many funds and tax credits go for that ?
Posted by: Marc | 2008-06-05 3:07:43 PM
I agree with Alain...The government should get the hell out of the movie business, and music business and the arts in general. The Heritage department is nothing more then a social engineering agency, full of nepotism, cronyism, and corrupt to the core. If the government really wanted to help people in the arts, it would get rid of the government appointed agency's, and regulations that stand in the way, such as the CRTC. Freedom in the market place, in areas such as radio and television and movies would go a long way to helping artists, much more then giving hand-outs to a select few. If people want to make movies, music, etc. give them a venue to be seen and heard and let the public decide what's good or bad, the way they have it set up now is all about who one know's rather than whether one has any talent.
Posted by: Sean | 2008-06-05 5:46:27 PM
Get rid of this depratment immediately. I will decide what culture I will consume NOT the damned government.
Epsi
Posted by: epsilon | 2008-06-05 10:43:56 PM
Exactly, Epsi.
Posted by: Matthew Johnston | 2008-06-05 10:49:50 PM
I have no problem with growing ministerial powers. I think ministers should have more freedom to act in a WIDE range of policy areas. After all, they're elected (well most of 'em), and we can get rid of em if they don't make decisions the voting public agrees with.
If C-10 gave the power to bureaucrats, THEN I'd be REALLY upset with it.
Posted by: Anonymous | 2008-06-06 7:33:51 AM
Right, Epsi: And while we're at it. I'd also like to choose my health care provider/educator etc etc
Posted by: Soundbite | 2008-06-06 4:33:56 PM
Marc disait:
"Many here are obssessed with free speech and the cases wicth involved many neocons - but when Harper wishes to control the medias and what art is create based on what's ok for the extrem religious minority...
Hypocrites. "
Maudites! Tu es tellement salaude.
Can't you tell the difference entre les quelles qui veulent to force US to fund and watch such garbage versus those who just don't want les payer?
Obsessed with Free Speech?
Why are you obsessed with having my tax dollars PAY for YOUR deviant puriency.
Watch your porn on your own FRANC!
Posted by: h2o273kk9 | 2008-06-06 5:29:03 PM
One of the films touted as an example of the 'filth' C-10 was launched to prevent, "Young People Fucking", has no expicit sex in it. Yet the clown McVety calls it 'pornography'! The film isnt even rated NC17!
The right sure helped gave the film lots of free publicity, though. It should do gangbuster business when it opens. Atta go!
Posted by: joe bleau | 2008-06-07 3:44:40 AM
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