The Writers’ Union of Canada-Recent News
An Update from the Writers’ Union of Canada
by Vicki Grant, Regional Representative for TWUC, Atlantic Region
The Writers’ Union of Canada advocates on behalf of all writers for a stronger literary culture – one that treats artists fairly and with respect, and makes it possible for our nation’s stories to continue to be told. So whether you’re a member or not – and we certainly hope you are – TWUC is working on your behalf.
Here’s a brief outline of what we’ve been up to lately.
Writers’ Income: While Ottawa shuts itself into election mode, TWUC continues to work behind the scenes. Our policy brief from last fall, Regaining Ground, is on the desk of every MP, along with our recent survey report documenting the continuing decline in author income. While the information that writers in Canada are currently earning 27 per cent less than they were in 1998 makes none of us happy, know that this message is a cornerstone for all our advocacy efforts going forward.
Copyright: We continue to work closely with our industry partners at Access Copyright and the Association of Canadian Publishers to insist on a fix to the educational fair dealing fall-out that is eating into writers’ royalty payments.
Canadian books in Canadian schools: Our Curriculum Task Force is working toward ensuring that school curricula include Canadian-authored materials that tell our country’s full story.
Spreading the Word: We are doing our best to address the under-reviewing of books in Canada, and the gap this leaves in institutions like libraries, schools, colleges and universities seeking guidance in selecting materials for purchase and inclusion on course lists.
Professional Development: Publishing 2.0 Video, an 80-minute collection of video highlights from last year’s cross-country professional development workshop has been produced and is now available to download for the low, low price of $9.99. See the two-minute promo for it here.
Why you should join TWUC: First and foremost because the more members TWUC has, the stronger our voice when fighting for issues that matter to the writing community at large such as copyright, Canadian curricula and income opportunities.
But TWUC also offers individual members important benefits such as access to the National Public Reading Program, eligibility to a group health plan, professional development workshops and assistance with contracts and grievances.
Please consider joining the 2000 professional authors who make up The Writers’ Union of Canada. For more information, go to www.writersunion.ca or contact Atlantic rep Vicki Grant.
