With the upcoming federal election, we believe it is important for voters to understand where each candidate and party stands on key issues related to arts, culture, heritage, equity, and reconciliation.

To support this goal, we invited candidates running in the Columbia-Kootenay-Southern Rockies riding to respond to our Federal Arts, Culture & Heritage Candidate Questionnaire.

This is the response from Kallee Lins (NDP): 

1. What role do you believe the federal government should play in supporting Canada’s arts, culture, and heritage sectors, particularly in rural and remote communities?

The cultural sector contributes more than $60 billion annually to our federal GDP, always providing more economic benefit than it receives. The federal government must play a pivotal role in supporting Canada’s arts, culture, and heritage sectors, especially in rural and remote communities. Support can come in various forms, including increased funding, policy development, and infrastructure investment.

Creating policies that prioritize the inclusion of rural and remote communities in national cultural programs can ensure that these areas receive equitable access to resources and opportunities. Infrastructure investments, such as supporting improvements to cultural centres and improving digital connectivity, can further enhance the accessibility and visibility of arts and culture in these regions. The Canadian Arts Coalition recommends increasing federal funding allocations by $270 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year, with $140 million to the Canada Council for the Arts and $130 million to the Department of Canadian Heritage. I would stand behind and advocate for these investments.

2. How does your party plan to ensure long-term, sustainable funding for arts, culture, and heritage organizations, as well as individual artists and cultural workers?

The NDP is committed to ensuring long-term, sustainable funding for arts, culture, and heritage organizations, as well as supporting the work of individual artists and cultural workers. Personally, I have long advocated for increased core funding for nonprofits in all sectors to avoid the excess administrative burden and precarity that comes from juggling project grants. I would advocate to Canadian Heritage and other funding bodies across the federal government to provide longer-term agreements that cover core costs of cultural organizations. The Canadian Arts Coalition emphasizes the need for increased core funding for arts service organizations to ensure they can support their communities and retain competent staff.

3. What specific policies would you support to advance equity and inclusion in the arts, culture, and heritage sectors—particularly for Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, and disabled communities?

As a member of the NDP, I am committed to supporting policies that advance equity and inclusion in the arts, culture, and heritage sectors, particularly for Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, and disabled communities. Our party has consistently led the call for these initiatives in Parliament and supports the following measures:

1. Increased Funding for Targeted Programs: We will advocate for increased federal funding for programs that specifically support marginalized communities in the arts, culture, and heritage sectors. This includes grants and subsidies for Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, and disabled artists and cultural workers.
2. Mentorship and Training Programs: Establishing mentorship and training programs to help marginalized communities develop their skills and careers in the arts. These programs will provide opportunities for professional development and networking.
3. Inclusive Spaces and Platforms: Supporting the creation of inclusive spaces and platforms that celebrate diverse cultural expressions. This includes funding for cultural centers, festivals, and exhibitions that highlight the work of marginalized artists.
4. Review and Adapt Federal Funding Programs: Reviewing and adapting the timeline, eligibility, and funds of existing and newly proposed federal funding programs to better support marginalized communities. This ensures that funding is accessible and equitable.
5. Sector-Specific Professional Development: Developing operational funding to support visual arts and craft-based organizations and providing sector-specific professional development and business advisory services to artists.
6. Legislative Support: Committing to upholding freedom, equality, and human rights for Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, and disabled communities. This includes opposing any legislation that seeks to undermine the rights and protections of these communities, and supporting the continuation of federal funding programs to build capacity and strengthen the services of local organizations that serve these marginalized groups across Canada.

4. How will your party address systemic inequities in federal funding programs and ensure more equitable access to resources across all regions of Canada?

The NDP is dedicated to addressing systemic inequities in federal funding programs by implementing policies that ensure equitable access to resources across all regions of Canada. I am committed to thorough reviews of existing funding programs to identify and eliminate biases that disadvantage specific communities and support the creation of regional advisory councils to provide input on funding decisions and ensure that the unique needs of different areas are considered, including the urban/rural divide across the country.

5. How does your party plan to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action related to arts, culture, and heritage (specifically Calls 67–70)?

The NDP is committed to responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action related to arts, culture, and heritage. Specifically, we will work to implement Calls 67–70 by increasing support for Indigenous cultural initiatives, preserving Indigenous languages, and promoting Indigenous arts and heritage. I am committed to working with Indigenous communities across the Kootenays to ensure that existing and new policies or programs reflect their needs and priorities. Additionally, we will ensure that Indigenous voices are included in decision-making processes and that their cultural contributions are recognized and celebrated at the national level.

6. What steps will you take to help preserve and promote Canada’s diverse cultural heritage, including Indigenous languages, traditional knowledge, and heritage sites?

To preserve and promote Canada’s diverse cultural heritage, the NDP and I will advocate for increased funding and support for initiatives that focus on Indigenous languages, traditional knowledge, and heritage sites. This includes supporting programs that provide resources for language revitalization and education, as well as supporting the documentation and dissemination of traditional knowledge. Additionally, we will work to protect and maintain heritage sites through collaborative efforts with Indigenous communities and heritage organizations.

By prioritizing the preservation of cultural heritage, we aim to ensure that future generations can continue to learn from and celebrate Canada’s rich cultural diversity. In line with recommendations by the Canadian Arts Coalition, I would advocate for increasing fund allocations to support these initiatives.

7. How will your party support museums, archives, cultural centres, and heritage institutions—especially those serving small or remote communities?

The NDP recognizes the importance of museums, archives, cultural centres, and heritage institutions, particularly those serving small or remote communities. I will advocate for increased federal funding and providing targeted grants to help rural and remote institutions maintain and expand their operations. I will also promote and advocate for partnerships between larger institutions and those in remote areas to facilitate resource sharing and collaborative projects.

8. How will you ensure that the arts, culture, and heritage sector—whose contributions to the economy and community well-being are substantial—is recognized as essential, and not sidelined during times of economic uncertainty or political change?

As a cultural worker myself, I will tirelessly advocate for recognition of both the economic and social value of arts, culture and heritage in Canada. Senator Patricia Bovey has made great advancements on this issue with Bill S-208, An Act respecting the Declaration on the Essential Role of Artists and Creative Expression in Canada. This bill passed all three readings in the Senate, but did not make it through its readings in the house. I would advocate for the reintroduction of this act to, as Bovey has stated, “move the perception of the arts from frill to its rightful place as an anchor in our society.” I would work to secure dedicated funding streams for arts and culture and protect them from budget cuts during times of economic uncertainty.

9. How would you advocate for improved protections and social supports for cultural workers (e.g., affordable housing and studio space, employment insurance, health benefits, or basic income)?

The NDP, through the work of Leah Gazan, has been a champion for the creation of a framework for guaranteed minimum income. This measure would work to ensure financial stability for all Canadians, including cultural workers, and I am committed to supporting and working toward the reintroduction of similar legislation.

The NDP is also leading on action related to affordable housing, a core need of artists in our region. We will make it easier to find a good an affordable place to call home by:

• Building more homes that people can afford, faster.
• Supporting first-time homebuyers to reach their dream of owning a home.
• Creating a housing market for people, not for corporate landlords.
• Stopping renovictions and helping those with the greatest housing need.

10. What role should the federal government play in addressing the specific needs of Indigenous artists and cultural custodians, particularly concerning the provision of Indigenous cultural spaces in rural and remote communities, as well as in relation to cross-border Nations and tribes?

The federal government should play a proactive role in addressing the specific needs of Indigenous artists and cultural custodians. This includes providing funding and support for the creation and maintenance of Indigenous cultural spaces in rural and remote communities, and Indigenous-led cultural projects. I would call on Canadian Heritage and the Canada Council to recognize the eligibility of Indigenous artists whose traditional territory is based in Canada even if their Nation and community straddles international borders.

11. What role should the federal government play in ensuring that non-Indigenous institutions and communities are educated in Indigenous protocols, traditional and contemporary laws, and the principles of Indigenous governance—particularly in relation to land, art, culture, and civic decision-making?

The federal government should play a key role in ensuring that non-Indigenous institutions and communities are educated in Indigenous protocols, traditional and contemporary laws, and the principles of Indigenous governance. This can be achieved through the development and implementation of educational programs and training initiatives that promote understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures and governance systems. Additionally, the government should support the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in civic decision-making processes and encourage collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. By fostering education and dialogue, the government can help build stronger, more inclusive relationships between all Canadians.

12. How do federal responsibilities—under frameworks like the TRC Calls to Action, UNDRIP, and DRIPA—inform policy on unceded lands, housing, education, and immigration? Why is it essential to prioritize equity (not just equality) and include Indigenous Nations in decisions that impact land, culture, water, and community development?

Federal responsibilities under frameworks like the TRC Calls to Action, UNDRIP, and DRIPA inform policy on unceded lands, housing, education, and immigration by providing a foundation for recognizing and addressing the rights and needs of Indigenous Peoples. It is essential to prioritize equity, not just equality, because equity involves addressing systemic barriers and ensuring that Indigenous communities have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Including Indigenous nations in decisions that impact land, culture, water, and community development is crucial for fostering meaningful reconciliation and ensuring that policies are informed by the perspectives and priorities of those most affected.

13. If elected, how will you stay engaged with local artists, cultural workers, and heritage organizations to ensure their voices are heard in federal policy decisions

I plan to continue attending a lot of shows, exhibits, readings and more! In my free time, you’ll usually find me in cultural institutions around the region. Please seek me out in audiences and galleries and let me know about your ongoing work.