Election day is September 20th, and the next Canadian Government must commit to ensuring that Canada’s artists, and all Canadians who are impacted by precarious work, are able to survive the COVID-19 pandemic, and be positioned to flourish in the future.
Members of all parties use language such as “build back better”; now, we must ensure that this language translates into action. There are many issues impacting visual artists, and the larger arts and culture sector, and many policy and economic changes that must be put in place.
We urge artists to familiarize themselves with the parties’ positions on arts and culture. The Canadian Arts Coalition has prepared a summary of arts and culture commitments from the leading federal political parties. Please click here to read more.
Facts about The Visual Arts Sector in Canada
Primarily self-employed, visual, media, and craft-based artists derive income through various revenue streams. It is extremely rare for a single source of revenue to provide enough income to live on. It is a common practice for artists to occupy several roles, including but not limited to: creation, sales, instruction, mentorship, consultancy, speaking, curation, writing, and working for art institutions and organizations. This leads to a mixture of royalties and fees paid, sales, and wages from additional part-time jobs, such as teaching in universities or working for galleries. Many artists and cultural workers supplement their arts incomes with labour in other sectors, which often involves low-paid and/or precarious gig-work.
Actions you can take
- VOTE. Information on how to vote in 2021 can be found here.
- USE SOCIAL MEDIA. Elevate issues important to you, your practice, and your community. Connect with the Federal party leaders:
On Twitter:
Jagmeet Singh (New Democratic Party)
Justin Trudeau (Liberal Party of Canada)
Annamie Paul (Green Party of Canada)
Erin O’Toole (Conservative Party of Canada)
Yves-Francois Blanchet (Bloc Quebecois)
On Instagram:
Jagmeet Singh (New Democratic Party)
Justin Trudeau (Liberal Party of Canada)
Annamie Paul (Green Party of Canada)
Erin O’Toole (Conservative Party of Canada)
Yves-Francois Blanchet (Bloc Quebecois)
ASK QUESTIONS
Questions you can ask your local candidates:
- To survive the economic impact of the pandemic, Canadian artists require an extension of the Canada Recovery Benefit. Do you support an extension of this program?
- How will you address gaps in the Employment Insurance program to ensure self-employed and gig-workers, and low-income Canadians, are supported?
- All Canadians will benefit from a Basic Income Guarantee. Will your party commit to studying effective ways to design and implement such a program?
- Is your party committed to increasing equity and inclusion in the arts sector? If so, how?
Use the hashtags: #ArtsVote #votezarts #Elxn44 #cdnpoli and tag us @carfacnational