Concerns about the Stratford Festival have been brought forward to Queen's Park by the MPP for Perth-Wellington.
Rany Pettapiece presented almost 100 letters from constituents to the Minister of Heritage, Tourism and Culture Industries, Lisa MacLeod. Pettapice aslo wrote to Premier Doug Ford and Finance Minister noting that strengthening the festival has to be a part of the government's economic strategy through COVID-19.
In April, the festival announced it was postponing the 2020 season due to the outbreak of COVID-19. The Stratford Festival is responsible for generating approximately $135 million in economic activity annually.
"I told the premier that the Stratford area is going through a tough time right now," said Pettapiece. "The festival's postponement is the big reason for that. My constituents took the time to write these letters and I wanted to bring them straight to the premier."
Pettapiece has also advocated for relief for other cultural organizations including Drayton Entertainment and Stratford Summer Music.
"The festival is a cultural icon and an essential economic driver in Perth-Wellington," Pettapiece noted. "I will continue to urge the government to prioritize assistance for the festival and other organizations like it."