CANADIAN PERFORMERS URGE MPS TO PUT CULTURE ON THE AGENDA OTTAWA – This week, Canadian performers from ACTRA are urging the federal government to make support for our $85 billion cultural industries a key issue in the upcoming federal election. “We’re meeting with MPs to share our priorities for the next government,” said Ferne Downey, ACTRA National President. “We’ll be asking them to put culture and content creation on their election agenda. This industry is a vital part of our everyday life as Canadians, and it plays an increasingly important role in our nation’s economic well-being, representing 7.4% of our GDP.” Ms. Downey will be joined by some of Canada’s leading performers at a reception on Parliament Hill on Wednesday evening, including award-winning actor Tantoo Cardinal (Dances with Wolves, Black Robe, Mothers and Daughters). “We are here to let MPs know that Canadian culture is about who we are as Canadians, in all our diversity from coast to coast,” said Ms. Cardinal. “Our stories matter. They define us. Our stories facilitate further understanding, appreciation and expand our overall wisdom as a country. We need to see more of our stories on all our screens. We are hoping each party recognizes the wisdom of making this a priority in the upcoming election.” ACTRA lobbyists also include: Benjamin Ayres (Less Than Kind, Saving Hope), Tristan D. Lalla (Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry 2), Angelica Lisk-Hann (Hemlock Grove, The Book of Negroes), Mark McKinney (Kids in the Hall, Less Than Kind), Peter MacNeill (Call Me Fitz, Cracked), Julian Richings (X-Men 3, Supernatural, Orphan Black), Adamo Ruggiero (Degrassi, Being Erica, Saving Hope), Salvatore Antonio (Remedy, Saving Hope), Jamie Spilchuk (The Birder, Hard Rock Musical) and more! ACTRA is asking all MPs and federal parties to support the call for More Canada on ALL Our Screens -- big, small and mobile. ACTRA’s wish-list for this lobby trip includes: • Invest in the infrastructure of our industry through long-term, stable investments in the CMF, Telefilm, the NFB and support for the production of great Canadian scripted drama by the CBC, Canada’s public broadcaster; • Nurture Canadian cultural sector jobs: support stories by, for, and about Canadians; and • Initiate fair treatment for Canadian artists by implementing equitable tax treatment.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Nov 2014 16:06:18 +0000
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