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ADVOCACY

• Open Letters from the Industry
• Letter templates

OPEN LETTERS FROM THE INDUSTRY

CITT/ICTS COVID-19 Advocacy Committee

June 15, 2020 / Covid-19 and Canada’s live performance industry
"In order to respond to this devastation, CITT/ICTS struck a working group from across Canada and representing a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Although everyone is eager to start producing, presenting and touring again they recognize that a quick return to “normal” is currently impossible and would be irresponsible. Their hope is that we can work together to ensure that Canada will still have a thriving live performance industry when this crisis ends."

Please take a few moments to read, and think about, this letter. Then, take the time to forward the letter to your local Member of Parliament with a short personal note. You can find the e-mail and mail addresses of Canada’s Members of Parliament here: https://www.ourcommons.ca/en/contact-us.

IATSE

  • March 13, 2020 / IATSE PRESIDENT CALLS ON CONGRESS TO PASS RELIEF PACKAGE THAT INCLUDES DISPLACED ENTERTAINMENT WORKERS
  • April 21, 2020 / Letter to the Federal Government from the coalition of Canada’s arts and live performance industry, comprised of the IATSE, Canadian Actors’ Equity Association, the Canadian Federation of Musicians and the Associated Designers of Canada.
    "We have united to provide comment, ideas and proposals to reinvigorate the Canadian arts and culture industry in the aftermath of the COVID-19 health crisis. We look forward to helping you and all your colleagues at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels across Canada to bring joy, entertainment and healing to live audiences through live creative expression of all kinds, as soon as possible."
  • June 2, 2020 / Statement Regarding Announcement of $400M for Quebec’s Cultural Sector (IATSE locals 56, 262, 514, 523, 667, and 863)
  • June 5, 2020 / Letter to the Federal Government from the coalition of Canada’s arts and live performance industry.
    "We are writing today with one request, that every organization in this group has coalesced behind – the extension of the CERB. Although the program runs until October 3, the maximum eligibility period is 16 weeks. Because most entertainment industry workers applied right away, they will be maxing out benefits at some point in July. We are therefore requesting an extension of both the maximum eligibility period beyond 16 weeks, and the end date of the program; until at least the end of the calendar year, or potentially until the industry is allowed by governments to return."
  • August 26, 2020 / IATSE Submissions to the Ministry of Canadian Heritage
  • October 22, 2021 / IATSE Canada, letter to Minister Freeland - TERMINATION OF THE CRB
  • January 25, 2022 / Submission to the federal government on how the live performance industry functions, and the supports that are necessary for the industry and its workers - THE LIVE PERFORMANCE INDUSTRY
  • February 10, 2022 / 2022 PRE-BUDGET CONSULTATION SUBMISSIONS - The IATSE’s Pre-Budget Submissions to the federal government lay out the issues facing the live performance industry and their short-term and long-term recommendations for providing needed stability.

Nick Farkas, Senior Vice President, Programming, Concerts and Events at EVENKO, along with 11 other show business signatories.

Que restera-t-il de l’industrie du spectacle ? - Open letter is addressed to Quebec Prime Minister François Legault via La Presse. January 3, 2022
The entertainment industry is asking for predictability in terms of a full resumption of their activities and the announcement of a date when indoor and outdoor events can be held at full capacity. In French.

Conseil québécois du théâtre - CQT
CULTURAL HUMAN RESOURCES COUNCIL (CHRC): Letter from Grégoire Gagnon, D. Mus., MPA & MBA, Executive Director, to all Canadian cultural workers and artists. March 16, 2020

CLMA

  • March 16, 2020 - Letter sent by Canadian Live Music Association CEO Erin Benjamin to the Minister of Finance as well as Ministers of Heritage, Economic Development, Tourism, Innovation, Science and Industry and Middle-Class Prosperity this weekend, seeking financial measures to alleviate the financial effects of the current pandemic. Read the letter.
  • January 14, 2022 - The CLMA leveraged its ongoing campaign #ForTheLoveOfLIVE and sent a letter to The Hon. Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and The Hon. Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development. The campaign urged the ministers to consider increasing both CEBA’s and the RRRF’s maximum loan forgiveness amount by up to $10,000 if the balance of the loan is repaid by the end of the 0% interest- free grace period; and extending the interest-free repayment period for CEBA loans and RRRF loans to December 31, 2024. Read the letter.
Reviving the Arts and Culture in the Aftermath of COVID-19: A committee of experts addresses the issue.
Ten artists, artistic directors and managers propose three main priorities for action and related measures to implement. Together they represent a diversity of practices and employ over a thousand professionals (artists, technical and educational staff as well as cultural workers).
Regroupement de l'industrie des événements d'affaires (Quebec)
The Regroupement wishes to contribute to the implementation of winning solutions for all so that Quebec business tourism can regain its place on the chessboard and thus take part as soon as possible in the collective effort to support the local economy and to the influence of the industry, here and around the world. They have several publications to date, access them all here (in French).

A PUBLIC LETTER FROM THE ARTS COMMUNITY FOR A BASIC INCOME GUARANTEE - July 16, 2020

  • Craig Berggold – Media artist / Team leader, Case for Basic Income and the Arts, Ontario Basic Income Network
  • Zainub Verjee – Laureate, 2020 Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts, Outstanding Contribution
  • Clayton Windatt – Independent artist / curator
  • With, and on behalf of many Organizations & Individuals.

LETTER TEMPLATES (↑)

From Ontario Presents - Advocacy needed to extend CERB
English Template Letter | French Template Letter
"The government needs to hear from us now about the urgent need to extend the 16-week eligibility period for CERB so that workers who continue to be out of work can access this benefit. As you all know, the CERB has been a lifeline for many in the live performance industry. That need does not end after 16 weeks, a time limit which will be reached at the beginning of July for those who began accessing CERB in March. It is critical that artists and laid-off workers can continue to receive this benefit as we face a long road ahead until performances resume.
If you can spare a moment, please write to your or call MP today and let them know the importance of extending the CERB eligibility period.
Global Public Affairs, who have been working hard to advocate for our sector throughout the COVID crisis, have kindly drafted a template letter in English and French. The template letter also includes numerous suggested contacts who are in a position to influence this decision."

From Associated Designers of Canada - Individual Advocacy
COVID-19 Information & Tips on Individual Advocacy | WRITE YOUR MPs | WRITE YOUR MPPs/MLAs
"The ADC is acutely aware of the fear and uncertainty facing designers and producers across the country. This is an extremely challenging time, with great risks for the financial health and well-being of our members. We are working actively to advocate on behalf of our members - and designers across the country - and to develop and disseminate resources for everyone. We are also committed to supporting our members in their own advocacy and recovery as much as we possibly can."

From Canadian Independent Venue Coalition
DIRECTORY & TEMPLATES & TIPS on writing to Government Officials.