Thank you for your question. I hope you will all hear and understand my answer.
The problem with this wage subsidy as it is designed is that it is targeted at specific time periods. For non-profit organizations, as is the case for most festival and event organizers, having 15% or 30% less revenue when their revenues are already at zero, let's put it this way, makes little difference.
First we need to see if the wage subsidy will be extended. That's what we're hoping for. Culture is about more than festivals and events. I can't imagine the situation recovering before June 6, when the wage subsidy ends. I see a big problem with that.
Then, beyond that, ways will have to be found, perhaps with the Department of Canadian Heritage, to ensure some flexibility in the payment of the wage subsidy. If not by making changes to the program itself, Canadian Heritage or other departments could provide flexibility for different presenters in the cultural community, particularly those who put on festivals and events. This may be desirable.