The federal Conservative government has finally unveiled its own, $30-million version of the notorious sponsorship program.
However, Canadian Heritage Minister Josee Verner told The Globe and Mail that this program will be much different.
"We're absolutely not going in the same direction," she said. "It will be done in a transparent and efficient way, and the advantage is that all regions of the country will benefit, which was not the case under the previous regime."
The program -- first announced in the 2007-08 budget -- will make money available to support events that "express, celebrate and preserve local heritage," the government said in a news release.
Money will eventually be coming to help fund infrastructure for historical communities' anniversaries of 100 years or more.
There will also be $7.4 million more in funding for Arts Presentation Canada to help professional arts festivals that "encourage community engagement," the government said.
Most community festivals in Canada take place in the summer months.
After the budget announcement, some assumed the money would be available this summer.
However, an outcry erupted in late April after a note circulating asking only Conservative MPs to provide the names of community events that they thought should receive funding.
Heritage Canada then said it needed time to develop fair criteria for applicants.
Quebecers will vote in three byelections on Monday. Verner said the announcement had nothing to do with the byelections.
The Bloc Quebecois has slammed the new program as inadequate, but community groups and fair associations have welcomed the return of the funding.
The then-governing Liberals killed its sponsorship program in early 2003 in response to a growing scandal.
In late 2005, the Gomery inquiry concluded that the initiative -- originally conceived to build the profile of the federal government in Quebec after the near-loss in the 1995 sovereignty referendum -- became a kickback scheme that funnelled government money into the Quebec wing of the federal Liberal party.
Many Liberal-connected advertising agencies billed the government for millions while doing work of little or no value.
Three Montreal advertising executives and one former civil servant have been convicted of criminal offences stemming from the scandals.
