News

OTTAWA – “It’s time cultural pursuits are given their proper economic due” according to Mark MacKenzie, Green Party of Ontario candidate in the by-election now underway in the riding of Ottawa West-Nepean.
 
Cultural industries contribute $17 billion and up to the Ontario economy. “While the provincial and federal branches of government have propped up a failing auto industry, they have missed the boat on the economic value of our cultural and artistic communities,” contended MacKenzie.
 
Cultural industries are among the most efficient in terms of generating results – every $1 invested spurs $7 back. “We have filmmakers, writers, stage performers, and a plethora of other cultural entities that are creating on a regular basis in Ottawa West-Nepean,” says MacKenzie. “These people are giving us stories and mythologies that reflect our communities but it doesn’t end there. They are also vibrant contributors to the economic life of our area.”
 
“We need to be bold and creative in our concept and application of sustainable economics. Centrepointe Theatre is an example of how a little bit of public investment can lead to something great. If I am elected as your MPP, I will support culture because it leads to economically diverse and healthy communities,” said MacKenzie.
 
“Other jurisdictions such as Prince Edward Island have forged an identity and crafted an entire tourism industry around virtually a single novel (Anne of Green Gables). Let’s be assertive in our belief that we have the talent in our communities to say goodbye to sunset economics and embrace our own strengths,” stated the owner of Appleseed Snow Blowing, a successful community-based business.
 
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For more information, please contact:

Mark MacKenzie
Green Party of Ontario Candidate
For Ottawa West-Nepean
Phone: 613-852-2371
Email: info@markmackenzie.ca