In its current statement of core values, the Council pledges to * support freedom of artistic expression from control or dominance by external forces such as governments and markets, a value reinforced by the arm's length relationship; * believe in government investment in the arts as a public good enabling the arts to contribute to peoples' lives, encouraging arts development across Canada, and freeing art from complete reliance on the marketplace; * seek to develop excellent art in Canada by focusing on professional artistic activity by individuals and organizations, respecting artistic excellence as the primary criterion in providing grants, and relying on peer assessment as the best method for determining comparative merit in a national context, maintaining freedom of artistic expression from control or dominance by external forces such as governments and markets; and * believe in the value of a national perspective of the arts, to enrich knowledge within the Council and the arts community, foster attitudes inclusive of all art forms and artistic traditions, and provide national and international leadership.89 The nationalist vision that Massey brought to Hart House surfaces prominently in the last of these statements.