During the federal election campaign, we encourage you to help ensure that the interests of Canada's creators and publishers are heard loud and clear.

The creative industry has changed with the move into an increasingly digital environment. However, our copyright laws are still severely out-of-date, and creators and publishers still struggle to be compensated fairly.

That is why this election is so important. It will set the tone for the future of the Canadian cultural industry, so we encourage you to take this opportunity to vote for candidates who show support for the creative community.   

To help you engage the candidates in your riding as well as to follow all the latest news in the campaign, we have prepared a federal election tool kit. It's not too late to make a difference in this campaign.

On May 2, please use your vote and ensure your next Member of Parliament will support your need to be compensated when your work is used.

For more information on voting on May 2, including information on where your polling station is located, please visit the Elections Canada website.

More useful resources on the election can be found by clicking here. 

2010-2011 Distribution Chair and Newly Elected Creator Co-Chair Penney Kome (Credit: Gregory Varano)

March 25 was a day most eyes were turned to Ottawa as the federal government was defeated on a motion of non-confidence. While intrigue and the inevitability of having to head back to the polls were on the minds of many, Access Copyright was holding its 2011 Annual General Meeting in downtown Toronto.

At the meeting, Distribution Chair Penney Kome announced that in 2010, Access Copyright distributed $23.3 million in copyright royalties to rightsholders. Penney also outlined the successful first year of Payback, Access Copyright's new creator payment model. 8,811 creators received a Payback royalty cheque last year, a 12% increase in the number of creators who received a repertoire cheque in 2009.

To read more about the Access Copyright 2011 Annual General Meeting, please click here. 

Access Copyright has released its 2011 royalty distribution plan.

Please click here to learn more about the distributions in store for this year.  Access Copyright is planning to distribute $22 million in copyright royalties to rightsholders in 2011.

May 1 is the deadline to apply for a Professional-Development Grant through the Access Copyright Foundation.  

Professional-Development Grants provide access to specialized training and continued education for writers, and visual artists and arts professionals employed or contracted by Canadian publishers or writing and visual artist organizations.

To apply for a Professional-Development Grant, please visit the Access Copyright Foundation website.

The Access Copyright Foundation is administered by the Saskatchewan Arts Board, and promotes and supports Canadian culture by providing grants intended to encourage the development and dissemination of publishable Canadian works. Grants are awarded each year in the following three areas: research, professional development and events.  

If you have any questions about the Access Copyright Foundation or about applying for a professional-development grant, please contact Joanne Gerber, program consultant for the Saskatchewan Arts Board at 306-787-5540 (toll-free 1-800-667-7526) or by email at joanne@artsboard.sk.ca.