Public Policy and Political Action

Artists' Rights Bill Succeeds at Second Reading

The private member's bill introduced by the NDP's Peter Tabuns passed a second reading in Ontario's legislature on April 23rd, 2009. Bill 165 proposes amending the Employment Standards Act to include artists, while protecting their status as independent contractors. If enacted, it would see artists obtain basic protections and benefits enjoyed by other workers in Ontario without losing their status as independent contractors.

"Support for Bill 165 is a positive first step. But it's time for the Ontario government to fulfill the recommendations of its own report on the Status of the Artist. We ask that Premier McGuinty and the Minister of Labour meet with us and start making real progress on these recommendations."

— ACTRA Toronto President Heather Allin, ACTRA News Release

ACTRA Members Lobby Ontario Government for Artists' Rights

The changes ACTRA seeks include the implementation of a collective bargaining process for the arts sector, the inclusion of artists under the Employment Standards Act and legislation to protect child performers. "Artist organizations need a collective bargaining process that reflects the nature of the way they work and are employed," said Wendy Crewson. "We are asking that artists be given this tool so they can negotiate a living wage."

"ACTRA and other artists' organizations have been calling for better employment rights for artists for years," said Gordon Pinsent. "Supporting creative industries takes more than bricks and mortar, it means supporting the creators as well. Passing these changes would be an important step towards that goal."

Members, supported by ACTRA Toronto President Heather Allin and staff, met with Government and Opposition Members of Provincial Parliament and their policy teams as well as holding a successful press conference at Queen's Park. (ACTRA's News Release)