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Write to your MP in Support of ARR

    We are asking you, as an artist, to write to your Member of Parliament in support of ARR, and to ask your MP to do the same. Our template letter outlines some of the main reasons why the ARR is important, and you may add a short personal message about why it matters to you.

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Your City/Town

    Your MP's Name (required)

    Your MP's Email (required) - Find your MP's email address

    Add a personal message
    **A salutation will automatically be added at the beginning of the letter and your name as a signature at the end.**

    Hello [Member of Parliament's Name],

    I am writing to you today as your constituent, to bring to your attention an issue of great importance to me and to all visual artists in your riding.

    As my Member of Parliament, I am asking you to intervene on behalf of myself and all artists across Canada to the Minister of Finance, to enshrine the Artist’s Resale Right (ARR) into Canadian law through the 2024 Budget process.

    The ARR would entitle visual artists to receive a royalty payment each time their work is resold publicly through an auction or commercial gallery. Artists are among the lowest paid workers in the Canadian economy, and this modest change would go some way in making life more affordable for us and our families, as our art often increases in value over time.

    Through our national associations for artists, CARFAC and RAAV, we propose that 5% of all eligible secondary sales of artwork sold for at least $1,000 should be paid back to the artist or their estate. The addition of the ARR in Canadian law would put more money in many artists’ pockets with no ongoing cost to the government.

    Some important facts about the ARR:

    • It is a royalty, not a tax.
    • The government would not be involved with collecting, distributing, or monitoring the payment of royalties.
    • It is particularly beneficial for Indigenous and senior artists.
    • It applies to secondary sales of original artworks for the lifetime of the artist, and their estates.
    • It applies to works sold in the secondary market for at least $1,000.
    • ARR is already protected in more than 90 countries, including: Australia, United Kingdom, and all European Union members.
    • In 2018, the Canadian Heritage Committee noted in its ‘Shifting Paradigms’ report that the ARR would maximize Canadian artists' contributions to Canada’s economic growth and productivity.

    Here is a summary of the proposal for ARR.

    [Your Message]

    I would be grateful for you to send this letter of support to the Minister of Finance on my behalf as your constituent, and on behalf of all artists in our riding.

    Thank you again for your time, and consideration of both the Artist’s Resale Right and my request.

    Sincerely,

    [Your name]