Good afternoon.
We would like to thank the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage for the opportunity to appear before you and speak on the Status of the Artist Act and its impact on improving basic working conditions for artists.
First, let me introduce the Regroupement des artistes en arts visuels du Québec (RAAV), which I represent today as executive director.
The RAAV was founded in 1993. Bringing together more than 1,600 members, the RAAV's primary mission is working to improve the living conditions and professional practice of artists pursuing a career in the visual arts in Quebec.
The RAAV has been accredited by the Canadian Artists and Producers Professional Relations Tribunal. As you know, the Canada Industrial Relations Board is now carrying on the mission vested in the tribunal.
The Status of the Artist Act, which came into force in 1992, addresses the working relationship between professional artists and Canadian federal government agencies and organizations.
In section 2, it provides for the following:
The Government of Canada hereby recognizes (a) the importance of the contribution of artists to the cultural, social, economic and political enrichment of Canada; (b) the importance to Canadian society of conferring on artists a status that reflects their primary role in developing and enhancing Canada's artistic and cultural life, and in sustaining Canada's quality of life; (c) the role of the artist, in particular to express the diverse nature of the Canadian way of life and the individual and collective aspirations of Canadians; (d) that artistic creativity is the engine for the growth and prosperity of dynamic cultural industries in Canada; and (e) the importance to artists that they be compensated for the use of their works, including the public lending of them.
Furthermore, in section 3(b), the act clearly lays out the foundations of the policy:
Canada's policy on the professional status of the artist, as implemented by the Minister of Canadian Heritage, is based on the following rights: (b) the right of associations representing artists to be recognized in law and to promote the professional and socio-economic interests of their members;
Section 7 states that the purpose of the act is to “establish a framework to govern professional relations between artists and producers...”
Under the act, we, along with Canadian Artists Representation (CARFAC), entered into a scale agreement with the National Gallery of Canada. A scale agreement, as defined in section 5 of the act, is an “agreement in writing between a producer and an artists' association respecting minimum terms and conditions for the provision of artists' services and other related matters”.
It is of utmost importance to reiterate that establishing a collective bargaining regime, as permitted under the Status of the Artist Act, is absolutely cardinal to improving the conditions under which artists operate.
The importance of the Copyright Act cannot be overlooked. If I may, I'd like to point out that introducing resale right is one of the commitments that have been made to visual artists.
We could not end this presentation without saying how fundamental a collective bargaining regime, as provided for in the Status of the Artist Act, is for visual artists. It can't be the only definitive solution for improving the living conditions of these artists, but the act is one milestone that helps us reflect on the situation of artists so that they can aspire to living conditions commensurate with what they represent for Canadian society.
Needless to say, the purpose of establishing a collective bargaining regime is to restore balance between the parties when it comes to negotiating with producers. The goals of the Status of the Artist Act, which emphasize how important artists are in our society, are a commitment to those we have celebrated during this pandemic.
By affirming at the outset the values of fairness that must govern artist–producer relationships, the letter and spirit of the Status of the Artist Act establish the framework within which artists must operate.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak on Canada's Status of the Artist Act.