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TORONTO—The Canadian Association of Stand-Up, Sketch and Improv Comedians (CASC) and Unifor's Canadian Freelance Union (CFU), is calling on the federal government to recognize comedy as an art form and cultural sector and support the workers who create the laughs with the launch of its first-of-its-kind policy paper and campaign, The Problem with Being Funny in Canada.
“Canadian comedians are workers and artists whose talent helps define our culture, but are frequently denied access to the funding, protections and opportunities available to others in the cultural sector,” said Nora Loreto, President of Canadian Freelance Union-Unifor.
“It is time for Canada’s cultural policies to recognize their work and ensure comedians have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their industry.”
Stand-up, sketch, and improv comedians shape Canadian culture by writing, performing and touring original work. They contribute to film, television, radio, festivals and digital media, entertaining millions of Canadians and helping build Canada’s international cultural reputation.
Despite their contributions, comedy is not consistently recognized as an art form within Canada’s arts and cultural policy framework. As a result, many comedians are excluded from public arts funding, professional development opportunities, labour protections and the policy decisions that shape their industry.
The Problem with Being Funny in Canada is the first national policy paper to examine the exclusion of comedy from Canada’s cultural policy framework. Drawing on research, the history of Canada’s comedy industry and comedians’ lived experiences, the paper offers policy recommendations aimed at securing formal recognition for comedy as an art form.
“Comedy is art, comedy is work,” said Sandra Battaglini, author of the policy paper and CASC founding board member.
“This paper shows what exclusion from access to health, safety and other labour standards has cost comedians and lays out a path toward recognition, fairer access to public support and a more sustainable industry for all to enjoy.”
The paper outlines that comedians should be recognized as artists and cultural workers within Canadian arts and cultural policy. They should have access to the grants, touring support, mentorship and professional development programs available to other artistic disciplines. Stronger labour standards, fair compensation, intellectual property protections and representation are also needed to improve working conditions across the sector.
A closer look at the comedy sector by the federal government would provide the data needed to inform future policy, while sustained support for mentorship, touring, festivals and cultural institutions would strengthen Canada’s comedy ecosystem and help comedians build long-term careers, not just a foot in the door.
CASC supports Canada’s comedy industry through advocacy, career opportunities, and professional development. The organization falls under the umbrella of the CFU, which provides hundreds of freelance professionals with contract advice, grievance support, health benefits, and other services.
