Saying they’re uncomfortable or unsure it would be safe to attend indoor concerts and events once pandemic restrictions are lifted, Canadians share a lingering fear of crowds, according to in-house research by the Heritage department..As reported by Blacklock’s Reporter, Canadians were asked: Once your local public health authority allows large group events to resume, how comfortable would you feel in attending an indoor arts venue for an event such as a concert or performance?”.Fifty-two per cent said they were uncomfortable or unsure..When asked why, respondents said they felt “a need to be cautious” (22%), were wary of indoor spaces with “too many people around” (15%) and that being in a large crowd in a concert hall “would make me anxious” (7%)..“Being uncomfortable to some extent with attending an indoor arts event even after being given the go-ahead by a public health authority ranges from lows of 40% in Saskatchewan and 41% in the Atlantic region to highs of 50% in Ontario and 51% in Manitoba,” said the survey..Rates of discomfort in other provinces were 45% in Alberta and Québec, and 46% in British Columbia..Findings were based on questionnaires with 10,526 people nationwide. The Department of Heritage paid $211,632 for the survey by Environics Research Group to “collect information on Canadians’ behaviour, attitudes and values,” it said..Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault in 2020 testimony at the Commons heritage committee called the pandemic a serious threat to livelihoods of artists and performers..“Our entire heritage ecosystem is under threat right now from coast to coast to coast,” said Guilbeault. “Artists are finding it very difficult right now.”.Guilbeault’s department on May 8, 2020 detailed $498 million in pandemic grants to arts, culture and sports groups. Cabinet in a pre-election announcement June 28 pledged a further $200 million in funding to subsidize festivals and events..“I believe all parts of Canada’s heritage are important to Canada,” said Guilbeault. “Western heritage, Eastern heritage, Northern heritage, First Nations..“My role is to support artists throughout the country.”.Alberta Conservative MP Earl Dreeshen (Red Deer-Mountain View), a longtime Calgary Opera patron, said pandemic curbs on public gatherings forced cancellation of “literally hundreds” of rodeos, fairs and music festivals..“That’s our Western heritage,” said Dreeshen. “That’s what we’re talking about.”
