Canadian artists, writers, performers call for national basic income
Latest push says many in the arts-and-culture sector are subject to precarious short-term work
A group of Canadian artists, writers, technicians and performers is calling on Ottawa to guarantee a basic income for anyone in need.
Novelist and screenwriter Emma Donoghue, poet George Elliott Clarke and opera singer Adrianne Pieczonka are listed among those supporting a call to "provide financial security to meet people's basic needs, regardless of their work status."
The concept would involve the government making regular payments to citizens to meet their basic needs.
The request is detailed in an open letter written by visual artist Zainub Verjee, multidisciplinary artist Clayton Windatt and the campaign's team leader, media artist Craig Berggold. It is addressed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Deputy Minister Chrystia Freeland, Finance Minister Bill Morneau and Minister of Canadian Heritage Steven Guilbeault.
Signatories include the Writers' Union of Canada, Playwrights Guild of Canada, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, the Canadian Federation of Musicians and the Canadian Actors' Equity Association.
The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the precarious nature of incomes among artists, writers and others in the culture sector. In April, in response to the impact of the coronavirus, organizers of the Sobey Art Award made the decision to award $25,000 to each of the 25 artists on its 2020 long list. The Sobey Art Foundation and the National Gallery of Canada, jointly administer the annual contemporary art priize.
The letter, released Thursday, says the COVID-19 pandemic has put millions of Canadians out of work, and has "deeply affected" those in the arts, culture, heritage, tourism, and creative industries.
It's part of an ongoing campaign by the Ontario Basic Income Network to build support for a basic income, in partnership with Basic Income Network Canada and Coalition Canada.
Previous letters have focused on the impact of precarious income for women, small businesses, food security and health.
The latest push says many people in the arts-and-culture sector are subject to precarious short-term contracts, and many don't receive benefits, paid sick leave, or employment insurance.
The group suggests a basic income guarantee that would build on existing programs, including the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
With files from CBC News