ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO FOCUS ON ARTISTS' EQUITY

Released on September 21, 2002

The province today released the names of the individuals who will form the

Minister's Advisory Committee on the Status of the Artist. The committee

will research, study and report back to government on substantive labour

and social equity issues for artists.



"We introduced the Status of the Artist legislation this spring," Crofford

said. "Striking the advisory committee reaffirms government's commitment

to the equitable treatment of artistic and cultural workers in

Saskatchewan."



Crofford made the announcement during an assembly of the arts community

held in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance Annual General

Meeting.



Barbara Young of Regina will be chair of the Minister's Advisory Committee

on the Status of the Artist. Members are Patrick Close, Michael Burns,

Allen Lefebvre and Joe Van Koeverden, all of Regina; Kent Allen, Louise

Halfe and Eileen Laverty, all of Saskatoon; and Charley Ferraro, of

Meacham. Representing the Government of Saskatchewan are Dawn Martin from

Culture, Youth and Recreation and Jim McLellan of Saskatchewan Labour.



The advisory council will investigate issues such as labour relations and

collective bargaining rights in the arts sector, the application of

workers' compensation legislation and occupational health and safety

legislation to artists; pension plans for artists; education, professional

development and training programs for artists; and taxation of artists.



Saskatchewan is the first province outside of Quebec to adopt legislation

which identifies equity for artists within the workforce. The Status of

the Artist Act, passed June 6, 2002, recognizes the contribution cultural

workers make to the enrichment of society.



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For more information, contact:



Wendy Campbell

Culture, Youth and Recreation

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-1062