Sample Email to Get Funding for Historic Places in Federal Budget 2018

Subject: Pre-budget consultations 2018

Send to: fin.pre-budgetconsultations2018-consultationspre-budgetaires2018.fin@canada.ca

Dear Minister Morneau,

We believe that including measures for historic places in Budget 2018 will support your government’s goals around “Progress for the Middle Class” and the “Economy of Tomorrow.”

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (ENVI) stated in Preserving Canada’s Heritage: The Foundation for Tomorrow, that it “believes the federal government needs to take stronger action to preserve Canada’s historic places.” This same committee also said in its Report on Bill C-323 – An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (rehabilitation of historic property) that it is “supportive of the principle of Bill C-323 and believes that financial incentives, including tax credits, which encourage investment in the rehabilitation of historic properties and heritage places is necessary.”

There is clear evidence to link heritage investment to economic growth and job creation: rehabilitation generates upwards of 21% more jobs, including skilled jobs, than the same investment in new construction. Just as importantly, investing in the refurbishing of heritage buildings contributes to the fight against climate change. Building renewal and re-use capitalizes on materials and carbon already invested, reduces construction and demolition waste, and avoids environmental impact associated with new development. A recent study shows that it takes from 10 to 80 years for a new “green” building to make up for the negative climate change impacts of its construction.

I therefore request that priority be given to federal budget measures that would have the most tangible and immediate positive impact for the greatest number of rural and urban places in Canada, and a proven spin-off effect for the environment and our economy:

A.      Measures that would encourage private sector investment in the revitalization of historic places that matter in our communities; and
B.      Measures that help fund the efforts of Indigenous peoples, charities and not for profits to save and renew places of significance.

Proven measures include tax-based incentives, grants and contributions,  and “heritage first” leasing and investment policies.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,