Ignatieff says Liberal government would double Canada Council funding

It must be election season, as the Liberal party leader, Michael Ignatieff, says that if elected his government would double the current $180 million parliamentary funding of the Canada Council for the Arts. According to a story in the Montreal Gazette, Ignatieff made the commitment during a series of visits to cultural groups in Montreal.

"We will not only restore these programs, we will enhance them," Ignatieff said.

Asked how a Liberal government would pay for these items when Ottawa faces a $56-billion deficit, Ignatieff said: "I am ready to make difficult choices.

"I am firmly convinced that investing in culture is the best investment that we can make."