More details have been released regarding the emergency support fund for cultural, heritage and sport organizations.
The $500 million which was announced on April 17th, is intended to help sectors whose cash flows and operations have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.
Minister of Canadian Heritage Steven Guilbeault says these sectors are under enormous pressures that deprive them of their audience and their income.
“The situation is critical. We’ve moved quickly to stabilize these sectors, which are an important part of the Canadian economy,” he said.
According to the federal government $326.8 million are to be distributed by Canadian Heritage to arts and culture funding, the sport sector and the heritage sector.
$55 million will be distributed by the Canada Council for the Arts and $115.8 million will be distributed by the Canada Media Fund and Telefilm Canada.
Guilbeault said the funds will be paid out in two stages, beginning Friday.
“We know that organizations are facing all kinds of serious challenges right now and are doing their best to get through it all,” he said.
The use of the remaining funds will be assessed based on needs and the application process will also be streamlined to reduce the burden on applicants.
