The Nova Scotia Arts Coalition is slamming the province for going ahead for the second time with a global sailing event in Halifax after hundreds of cuts to arts and culture.
SailGP brings 12 teams from around the world with 50-foot catamarans to zip around Halifax Harbour. The competition drew tens of thousands to the waterfront in 2024 and is scheduled for this June.
Chris O’Neil tells Acadia News although the arts coalition firmly believes in the power of tourism and special events to help create economic benefit, this one should not proceed.
“The reality is that granting $1 million on a one weekend yacht race, one started by a billionaire, is a terrible decision when the government is simultaneously cutting grants to arts, culture, tourism and heritage,” says O’Neil in a statement.
Many programs and services were cut in the spring budget as the province faced a $1.2 million deficit.
O’Neil says, Nova Scotia should prioritize spending money on individuals and organizations that provide “significant benefit year-round”.
“We don’t oppose sailing or Sail Nova Scotia, but when we are told that grants to teach arts in schools are completely eliminated because the government says everyone has to do their share its share,” explains O’Neil. “The question becomes, how is this race for one weekend doing its share?”
“The Nova Scotia Arts Coalition does not believe the government should be putting us all into a hunger games scenario,” says O’Neil.
Meanwhile, the province says they look forward to welcoming SailGP back this year.
“The 2024 Canada Sail Grand Prix attracted more than 50,000 spectators to Halifax and generated millions in economic activity,” says Communications Advisor Meredith Hand in an email.
Hand says, according to SailGP, the event made more than $31 million in direct economic impact.
The competition will be here June 20-21.
