We have on multiple occasions requested that CMPA sit down in good faith to negotiate the type of scale agreement that the Status of the Artist Act makes possible, and that CMPA has negotiated with every other organization that represents creative and technical contributors to film and TV projects in Canada. Every time we ask, CMPA finds an excuse to avoid negotiations. Most recently, they actually told us they were too busy negotiating scale agreements with other creator organizations to talk with us.
This situation is ironic, given CMPA's strident advocacy in favour of regulated terms of trade to protect producers from forced buyouts by broadcasters. This is why SCGC has proposed three amendments to the Status of the Artist Act.
SCGC respectfully recommends the following: first, the definition of producer should clearly capture independent media producers; second, forced buyouts should be a prohibited pressure tactic under the act; and third, the act should make explicit the board's authority to order arbitration at the sole expense of the recalcitrant party.
We thank the committee for the opportunity to be here today and look forward to answering any of your questions.