May 5, 2006

Charlottetown Senator Percy Downe is disappointed that the Harper Government’s budget has cut federal funding for the Confederation Centre of the Arts by $5.8 million.

“The regional Minister responsible for Prince Edward Island, Peter MacKay, came to Charlottetown with great fanfare only two weeks ago when he announced $1 million to help with renovations to the Confederation Centre, but there is no sign of him after the federal budget reduced funding for the Confederation Centre by almost $6 million,” Senator Downe said.

“In addition to the important role it plays in Island tourism, the Confederation Centre of the Arts is a national memorial to the Fathers of Confederation. It celebrates culture, the arts and Canada’s history and heritage, and deserves adequate funding from the Government of Canada,” stated Downe.

“The Harper government has a surplus of over $8 billion so it is unclear why they thought it was necessary to make such a cut to funding for the Confederation Centre. This is a time of tremendous prosperity in the nation’s finances. The Minister responsible for Prince Edward Island, Peter MacKay, should stand up and deliver for Island residents by ensuring that the full funding for the Confederation Centre is restored,” concluded Downe.