E166 MP Mike Morrice Arts Funding Initiative
Let’s Be Well Together Podcast - Episode 166
Date: April 1, 2025
Participants: Elise Seifert, Sheila Webster and John Webster
Guest: Mike Morrice
Start Times and Segments:
[0:00:35] What’s On Your Mind: We discuss the seven wonders—seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, feeling, laughing, and loving—and how they shape our experiences. The conversation highlights how technology and daily routines often disconnect us from these senses. By sharing moments of wonder, we reflect on the importance of presence, mindfulness, and truly engaging with the world around us.
[0:12:59] Expanding Minds Interview: [Artistic Wellness] Our guest, Member of Parliament Mike Morrice, tells us about his initiative to reform arts funding to support artists, galleries, performance centers, cultural events and community displays. He discusses the gaps in current government programs, which often provide only short-term relief rather than long-term sustainability. He is seeking fair compensation for artists, improving grant accessibility, and ensuring that creatives from all backgrounds receive equitable support. By working with industry leaders, policymakers, and grassroots organizations, he aims to shift the conversation around arts funding, demonstrating that investment in the arts benefits not only artists but also communities, local economies, and Canada’s cultural identity.
[0:31:44] Flipside of the Coin: Flipside of the Coin – We contrast the passionate, impulsive nature of young relationships with a more thoughtful, experienced approach when we’re older. What if couples could combine youthful passion with a mature wisdom. The best of both worlds.
Takeaways:
Mike – The arts are not just entertainment; they are essential to community identity.
Mike – Government investment in the arts leads to significant economic returns.
Mike – A thriving arts sector attracts tourism and boosts local businesses.
Mike – Young people benefit immensely from exposure to arts in education.
Mike – The arts have the power to drive social change and civic engagement.
Mike – Funding the arts is not charity; it’s a strategic investment in our future.
Guest Information: Member of Parliament of Canada Mike Morrice is inspired by the great things people can accomplish when we genuinely listen to one another, look to find common ground, and prioritize future generations. Before being elected, Mike founded Sustainable Waterloo Region co-created ClimateActionWR, piloted Canada’s first Green Economy Hub, later founded Green Economy Canada to share this work across the country. Mike was the first Green Party of Canada candidate to be elected in Ontario. Since his election in 2021, Mike uses his platform to amplify his community’s concerns.
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Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-) Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila, Elise, Isabelle, Noura, Julie and Riley