More money for music not military, says Green Party

VANCOUVER - "Shocked and dismayed was how I felt", said Adriane Carr, deputy leader of the Green Party of Canada when she heard the news this morning that CBC is dismantling its Radio Orchestra for lack of funds.

"The CBC Orchestra's budget was less than one million dollars per year. The Harper government's 2008 budget just increased military spending by $270 million (a 1.5% increase to the $18.2 billion defense budget) and gave another $700 million for law and order and security measures.

In talking with representatives at CBC this morning, Carr learned that the institution has not had a budget increase in decades.

"The government's priorities are all wrong," said Carr, adding, "We need more music, arts and beauty in our lives, not more tanks, guns and war."

"I understand that CBC wants to commission works from other orchestras across the country, but it must not be a case of "either or". The vibrancy of Canada resides in our cultural diversity. This means supporting and celebrating all kinds of music, not trading off one orchestra for another," said Carr.

"It bodes poorly for our country and culture if we keep increasing military spending and can't find a million dollars to keep an artistic institution like the CBC Radio Orchestra going," concluded Carr.