PACT's Pre-budget Submission for 2026 (Submitted September 8, 2026)

September 8, 2026

On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, we submitted our budget 2026 recommendations to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance as part of the budget consulation process. Our recommendations focus on cultivating job creation and industry growth, increasing investment in Canada Council for the Arts and prioritizing cultural infrastructure funding.

Introduction

The Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) is the collective voice of professional Canadian theatres, a leader in the performing arts community, and a devoted advocate of the value of live performance in communities across Canada. We represent over 180 professional English theatre companies, ranging from the largest performing arts organizations in Canada to smaller theatre companies that serve their audiences from coast to coast to coast. Through innovation and transformation, our resilient sector is welcoming new and returning audiences in growing numbers.

The recommendations outlined below are not PACT’s alone. We echo those from the sector, across regions and disciplines. Canada’s artists, cultural workers, and arts organizations are stepping up and have a clearly defined role in building a culturally sovereign and economically vibrant Canada for all.

Recommendations 

As our nation prepares to celebrate its 160th anniversary next year, investing in our creative industries is key to building a strong Canada for all.

• Recommendation 1: That the Government of Canada implement the Canadian Live Performing Arts Accelerator, a labour-based tax credit for performing arts organizations to increase employment, cultural sovereignty, and economic growth in the Canadian live performing arts industry.

• Recommendation 2: That the Government of Canada provide an additional $140 million annual investment to the Canada Council for the Arts, starting in the 2026-27 fiscal year, to stabilize and strengthen Canada’s arts sector.

• Recommendation 3: That the Government of Canada prioritize cultural infrastructure funding within the Build Communities Strong Fund to support cultural infrastructure construction, renovation, replacement, and retrofits.  

View PACT's Full Submission PDF

View PACT's Full Submission Word

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