[e-drive] EQUIFLASH [ACTION IN SUPPORT OF STATUS OF THE ARTIST LEGISLATION IN ONTARIO ]

[caea-l at list.web.net]

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ACTION IN SUPPORT OF STATUS OF THE ARTIST LEGISLATION IN ONTARIO 
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Equity supports the Ontario Federation of Labour's (OFL) push for Status
of the Artist Legislation in Ontario. 

On December 14th, from 11:30 a.m. to noon in the Queen's Park Media
Studio, the Association will join with other artists' associations and
unions calling attention to the Ontario Liberal provincial government's
inaction on introducing promised Status of the Artist Legislation. 

The OFL will release the following statement signed and supported by
over 30 artists' organizations from Ontario and across Canada
representing thousands of artists. 

Equity members are invited to attend the Queen's Park media conference
at the Ontario Legislature in Queen's Park circle on University Avenue.

THE STATEMENT 

Preamble: 
In Ontario, many professional artists and cultural workers are unable,
under current legislation, to improve their working conditions and
livelihoods through collective bargaining, a right presently enjoyed by
six million other Ontario workers.

During the 2003 provincial election campaign, the McGuinty Liberals
promised to introduce Status of the Artist legislation to improve the
lives and incomes of Ontario's artists in the cultural sector. This
promise was re-iterated on May 15, 2006 by the Minister of Culture in
her statement to the Legislature promising legislation that would
"...improve the socio-economic status of the artist, recognize and
enhance the labour status of artists..."

Yet, despite months of consultations, the Ontario government has failed
to introduce legislation that would deliver improved minimum working
conditions, enhanced economic and social benefits and collective
bargaining rights for professional artists and other self-employed
cultural workers.

Statement: 
The Ontario Federation of Labour is calling on the Ontario Government to
introduce within their current mandate, a Status of the Artist Act
which, at a minimum, must include both of the following:

*       Labour standards and taxation measures to immediately improve
the working lives of artists in Ontario including:

-       protections for child performers; 
-       access to training and professional development programs and
funds; 
-       tax measures favourable to artists (income averaging and/or
exclusions of certain incomes from provincial taxes); and

-       protections for senior artists. 
*       A consultative process leading to the creation and enactment
within 24 months of an appropriate labour relations mechanism
encompassing a collective bargaining procedure for all professional
artists and producers/engagers in the province of Ontario. 

Conclusion: 
It is time for the Government of Ontario to implement meaningful and
appropriate legislation that meets the diverse needs of professional
artists, other cultural workers, engagers and producers in advance of
the October 2007 Ontario Election.
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Canadian Actors' Equity Association
44 Victoria St., 12th floor
Toronto, ON  M5C 3C4
www.caea.com



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