TORONTO – Canadian actors, writers, musicians and others rallied on Wednesday in Toronto’s Simcoe Park, next to the CBC Broadcast Center, to encourage Canadians to vote for culture on October 14.
“Today we’re showing all parties that culture lives in Canada,” said screenwriter and Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) President Rebecca Schechter (Little Mosque, ‘Da Kink in my Hair). “We’re here to let all Canadians know that they can vote with their hearts and their heads in this election – by voting culture.”
Among those in attendance were songwriter/singer Melanie Doane, screenwriter Suzette Couture, playwright Linda Griffiths, singer Tabby Johnson, opera singer John Mac Master, actor/writer Mark McKinney, screenwriter Denis McGrath, actor Eric Peterson, actor Karl Pruner, author Noah Richler and actor Johnny Wright.
“We’re asking Canadians to find out which of their candidates are the strongest supporters of culture, who will reverse the cuts to cultural programs, and who will stand up for Canada’s creative and economic well-being,” said ACTRA National President Richard Hardacre.
The Toronto rally was organized by the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) and WGC.
Organizations that participated in the rally included the Alliance for Canadian New Music Projects, Canadian Actors Equity Association, Canadian Arts Coalition, Canadian Copyright Coalition, Canadian Media Guild, Canadian Music Centre, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada, Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, IATSE local 873, NABET 700 CEP, Toronto Musician’s Association, Stand on Guard for the CBC Coalition, Workers Arts and Heritage Centre in Hamilton and the Writers Union of Canada.
