#ForTheLoveOfLIVE calls for support of more funding for artists in federal budget
As Ontario enters its third lockdown due to COVID-19, the need to work hard to help save Canada’s stages becomes even more important.
The #ForTheLoveOfLive campaign has launched a letter-writing effort to help secure support for emergency funding now that the federal budget is scheduled for consideration on April 19.
“The time is right now to make our final push and amplify our key urgent messages for Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. We have one last opportunity to create impact, and we need your help more than ever,” the organization says. “Your participation could make the difference to the future funding for the live music industry.”
The organization has created a website that allows Canadians to send a letter directly to their lawmaker, as determined by mailing address, to urge them to support federal funding to support live music venues.
In part, the letter says:
“Live music is a significant economic driver across the country (contributing upwards of $3b to Canada’s GDP and supporting 72,000 jobs pre-pandemic). We know that Canadians will want to return to live music venues when it is safe to do so; however, additional targeted, sector-specific funding will be essential to ensure that shuttered companies and individuals can survive the months ahead. We must keep live music at the forefront of recovery conversations, for fans and artists.”
The organization, specifically, is calling for the Canadian government to support a “Phase 3” of $25 million in sector-specific funding to protect venues, concert promoters, festivals, production/sound and light/supply companies and others who make most of their money through live music production to help keep the music industry alive and protect venues to preserve these spaces for concerts to return when it’s safe. The group is also calling for an extension and enhancement of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy at 75% until the end of 2021 and an extension of the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy for businesses, including more support for medium-sized businesses, until the end of the year.
More information is available here.
