I wish I had the video clip, instead a quote from Green Party leader Elizabeth May on Harper’s cuts to the arts:

I don’t think Mr Harper personally hates the arts.  Nor do I think he personally supports the arts

He has appropriated all the levers of government to one sole end; increasing his politcal electoral power.  And he goes through this process — as your conservative war room has a database knows more about the individual Canadian voter than any prime minister or political party leader ever has — and for some reason your tacticians and strategists have decided that these mean spirited cuts against artists will help win you votes and that’s the whole reason for these stupid cuts.

Well said.