CARFAC and RAAV congratulate newly elected Ministers and advocate for the Artist’s Resale Right and AI protections for Visual Artists
CARFAC and RAAV, the national association representing visual artists across Canada and Quebec, congratulate Mark Carney, Prime minister of Canada and the successful candidates elected in the 343 ridings from coast to coast. We look forward to working with each of them to improve the lives of professional visual artists who live and work in their communities.
We offer our warmest congratulations to the newly appointed Cabinet Ministers who have key roles in cultural policy matters, including Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, Mélanie Jolie, Minister of Industry, and François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue.
Of primary importance to us is that these senior ministers work together to help Canada adopt the Artist’s Resale Right (ARR) without delay. Visual artists across Canada and around the world were thrilled that this much needed economic right was included in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement. We are thankful that the Federal Government has expressed support for this proposal, and that Canadian Heritage and Industry have already engaged in extensive consultation on this issue and are committed to bringing legislation forward. We look forward to seeing the Artist’s Resale Right in the Federal Budget this year.
“The ARR provides much deserved financial support and recognition for an artist’s lifetime of contributions to the arts, with no ongoing program costs to the Government, “ said CARFAC National Executive Director, April Britski. “We urge you to meet Canada’s commitment to make this change, in recognition of the contribution artists make to Canada’s cultural and economic wealth.”
Additionally, we congratulate Evan Solomon, taking on the new role of Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation. We look forward to working with him to ensure Canada develops a new vision that respects the “3Cs” principle of consent, credit, and compensation when it comes to visual artists and generative AI business models.