PACT's Response to the Federal Budget 2025

November 6, 2025

The Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) and its members welcome Budget 2025 and the Government of Canada’s recognition of the essential role that theatre plays in ridings across the country. We thank Prime Minister Mark Carney, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, and Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault for these initial commitments and look forward to continuing to strengthen the conditions under which professional theatre and performing arts organizations create, collaborate, and thrive.

A MORE CONNECTED COUNTRY

PACT applauds the commitment of $46.5 million over three years, starting in 2026-27, to the Canada Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF). Professional arts presenters are essential partners in building a robust touring network and enabling Canadian theatre to reach across regions and linguistic, cultural, and Indigenous communities. This renewed support will contribute directly to a stronger, more connected ecosystem, by creating more opportunities for Canadian works to travel, for collaborations to emerge, and for audiences to encounter stories that proudly reflect the diversity and complexity of contemporary Canada.

AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP

We are encouraged by the $6 million over three years, starting in 2026-27, for the Canada Council for the Arts, and by the confirmation that the Council is not included in the Comprehensive Expenditure Review reductions. We look forward to working with the government to build on this initial investment in the near future, to provide the Canada Council for the Arts the resources to address regional inequity, and inflationary devaluation. Maintaining the Council’s capacity is critical to Canadian national identity, and to the continued growth of the sector by supporting new creation, experimentation, and the ongoing development of artists, producers, and organizations. PACT further notes that the anticipated impact of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review on Canadian Heritage programming is expected to be limited, which will provide an important measure of stability for theatre companies whose work depends on predictable public investment.

THE NEXT OPPORTUNITY

Along with our partners in the Creative Industries Coalition, PACT notes that a Live Performing Arts Tax Credit was not included in this year’s budget; however, we remain committed to advancing this conversation as an essential nation-building project to strengthen Canadian sovereignty. A well-structured tax credit, similar to that which is in place in other industries and markets, is a targeted investment that would attract additional private investment into live performance, grow tourism opportunities, bolster employment across the creative and technical workforce, and reinforce the organizations that sustain Canadian storytelling on stages across the country. We look forward to continuing to work with the federal government to explore this tool as part of a modern, market-driven, globally minded, growth-focused policy framework.

 AN ENGAGED COMMUNITY

The renewed investment of $21 million over three years, starting in 2026-27, for the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) program is an important signal to local festivals, commemorations, and community-led cultural initiatives. These platforms are often where Canadian stories first take root, connecting artists, audiences, and communities, fostering pride in place, and supporting the smaller-scale cultural infrastructure that animates main streets and public spaces. Enhanced BCAH funding will help deepen this grassroots cultural activity and broaden access to live performance experiences in communities of all sizes.

ROLLING UP OUR SLEEVES

PACT and its members stand ready to collaborate with all Parliamentarians and officials across government to ensure these investments deliver maximum impact. Together, we can build on this momentum to support a dynamic, innovative, and resilient theatre industry that champions Canadian stories, cultivates Canadian voices, and connects Canadian communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast.

For more information contact:

Brad Lepp

Executive Director

416.595.6455 x 1516  |  BradL@PACT.ca

Click here to download PACT's statement.

Click here to view the summary of the budget. 

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