TORONTO – The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees met with Minister of Canadian Heritage Steven Guilbeault to discuss ways in which the federal government could best support the entertainment industry and its workers.
IATSE represents technicians, artisans and craftspeople in the entertainment industry, including live theatre, as well as motion picture and television production.
The conference-call meeting included 40 IATSE local union leaders who stressed the Covid-19 pandemic has brought economic hardship to all workers, but with virtually 100% unemployment, the entertainment industry has been hit particularly hard.
“Minister Guilbeault spoke knowledgably about the situation facing workers in both the film and live performance sectors,” reads the IATSE release. Representatives discussed the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit, and raised concerns regarding the ability of producers, particularly smaller theatres and companies, to bounce back once the crisis is over.
“The IATSE is grateful to Minister Guilbeault and his staff for their willingness to work with us toward solutions,” said international vice president and director of Canadian affairs. “From the beginning, they have listened with open minds about what the industry needs, what is working, and what might need more attention. We are also thrilled with the supports announced by the federal government, which address the concerns we raised regarding employed vs. self-employed workers, and those who had maxed out EI benefits over the slower winter months.”
The Motion Picture Association-Canada also applauded the passage of the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
“The Covid-19 crisis is a threat to the entire global economy, and has brought a stop to film and television production around the world. In Canada, film and television production is a major contributor to Canada’s dynamic creative economy – contributing $12.8 billion to Canada’s GDP and supporting jobs for more than 179,000 Canadians in every province across the country,” said Wendy Noss, president of the MPAC.
“The talented men and women who work in front of and behind the camera are among those whose livelihoods are hardest hit by the current public health crisis. We commend the government for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit that will provide vital relief for the cast and crew who are the backbone of global studio productions made in Canada and enjoyed by audiences around the world.”
