Thank you for the question.
I'll talk about the Status of the Artist Act. However, first I want to say that changes must be made to the employment insurance system. Consultations were announced. The FCCF has been involved in them over the past few months.
The employment insurance system must be opened up to self‑employed and contract workers and to people with intermittent jobs. They currently don't have access to this social safety net. Significant changes should be made to the system so that these workers are fully recognized and able to benefit from the Canadian social safety net. This path should certainly be explored.
In addition, the idea of a guaranteed annual income should be considered. The CRB and CERB showed that guaranteed income support gave our arts community the chance to survive and breathe more easily during this pandemic. I think that this idea must be considered.
I'll address the Status of the Artist Act. I want to make three quick points.
First, the definition of a professional artist should be reviewed. As one of my colleagues said today, the review should be based on the international treaties signed and on the definition given by other funders, such as the Canada Council for the Arts. Second, there should be an obligation to deliver in relation to the socio‑economic conditions of the people covered by the legislation. Lastly, everything should be consistent, since all provinces and territories have status of the artist legislation. The review of the federal legislation should ensure consistency.