Ottawa pledged $25-million Tuesday to help build a new home for the Toronto International Film Festival, touting the contribution as “another example” of federal-provincial co-operation even as the two sides remain at loggerheads over broader funding issues.
The $122-million Festival Centre, located in downtown Toronto, is slated to open in 2008.
The federal government's commitment matches a $25-million funding announcement from the Ontario provincial government last month.
“We are also pleased to be an equal co-funder of this project with the government of Ontario,” Citizenship and Immigration Minister Joe Volpe said.
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“This is another strong example of the partnership between our two governments that has led to many joint, sound infrastructure investments in this province.”
In recent weeks, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has made frequent headlines with his complaints about the level of federal funding in Ontario.
Mr. McGuinty wants Ottawa to pony up another $5-billion in federal funding, arguing that a $23-billion funding gap exists between how much Ottawa collects from Ontario and how much it gives back. Mr. McGuinty has said Ottawa's funding shortfall has left it struggling in terms of financing health-care and education in the province.
Federal politicians also touted Ottawa's investment as in keeping with the government's commitment to a “new deal” for Canadian cities.
Tuesday's $25-million federal contribution will be managed under the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund.
“This is exceptional news for the group,” Piers Handling, director and chief executive officer of the Toronto International Film Festival Group, said.
“Our goal is to provide more access to more films for more people and to encourage the growth and celebration of Canadian and international cinema.”
The new building – which will also house a gallery and screening rooms – is being billed as a year-round facility that would serve as both the headquarters for the main film festival as well its accompanying programs such as the Sprockets children's film festival and the art-house series Cinematheque Ontario.
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