On June 8th,
2012, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance launched its
pre-budget consultation process. This annual practice allows Canadians
to contribute their views on the priorities they want reflected in the
federal budget in 2013. Breaking away from the usual procedure of
submitting a brief, as done in years prior, individuals and groups were
asked to submit their responses online through a survey by August 3rd, 2012.
The
CCF/FCMA developed seven recommendations, combining our own sector
specific needs and recommendations with those of the larger arts and
cultural community. Working with content prepared by the Canadian
Conference of the Arts, we are ensuring the cultural voice is heard.
Repetition from numerous areas of the culture sector assists in
implanting a common message for cross-sectional needs in the sector.
Keeping
with the ‘strength in numbers’ attitude, the CCF/FCMA made a
recommendation supporting the work of the CARFAC and their endeavor to
institute the Artist Resale Right. If passed, artists would receive 5%
from subsequent public sales of their work through auction houses and
commercial galleries. Recognized as law in 59 other countries, Canada
truly needs to jump on board.
To read more of the CCF/FCMA’s survey response, see here.
Pre-budget consultation submissions can also be found on the House of
Commons Standing Committee on Finance’s website after they have been
translated. Hearings for the pre-budget consultation process are
expected to begin in September 2012.