One advantage Canadian artists have had that allowed them to compete in the U.S. and abroad has been public grants. But now two programs are under fire: PromArt, which aids musicians in touring abroad, and Trade Routs, which promotes cultural exports. Both programs have been slated to be canceled.

From Friday's Leader-Post:

The federal government will cancel a program today that sent artists abroad to promote Canadian culture because the program's grant recipients included "a general radical," "a left-wing and anti-globalization think-tank" and a rock band that uses an expletive as part of its name.

Canwest News Service has learned that the Conservatives are cancelling the $4.7-million PromArt program administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade because most of the money "went to groups that would raise the eyebrows of any typical Canadian," said a government official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

As mentioned above, the government also announced it will cut Trade Routes, a $9 million program that promotes Canada's cultural exports.

I've looked around quite a bit and have not seen much reaction outside of Canada. On Monday, Billboard.biz had a report from its Toronto office. In it, the director of the Canadian Independent Recording Industry Association is quoted as saying, "Direct access to foreign markets is critical to stimulate new sales outside of Canada." Very true. Labels, promoters and venues in the U.S. and other countries would be affected by these programs' cancellations.

Reaction in Canada has been strong and plentiful. The National Post's opinion piece was sympathetic.

Sounds more like well-meaning diplomats in various Canadian missions abroad sought the help of some well-known Canadians in promoting Canadian culture, and the ones who agreed are suffering the consequences of the government’s disapproval.

David Akin, a reporter for the Canwest News Service, has a good collection of news items and reactions at his blog.