Statistics Canada has done away with its annual survey on government spending in arts and culture.

The Culture Statistics Program, which tracks federal and provincial spending in libraries, literary arts, museums, theatre, and other cultural disciplines, has been in operation since 1976.

Johanne Denis, a director with Statistics Canada’s demography division, told the Vancouver weekly newspaper the Georgia Straight that the elimination of the survey was the result of a $33.9-million federal budget cut to the agency.

“The agency conducted a thorough review of its activities to manage its resources and priorities,” says Denis. “We did that ensuring that we maintain a balanced national statistical program that accurately measures the economy and society.”