C-318
Second Session, Fortieth Parliament,
57-58 Elizabeth II, 2009
HOUSE OF COMMONS OF CANADA
BILL C-318
An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (self-employed artists and authors)
first reading, February 12, 2009
Mr. Martin (Sault Ste. Marie)
402014
SUMMARY
The purpose of this enactment is to allow self-employed artists and authors to participate in the employment insurance scheme and obtain such advantages as maternity, parental and sickness benefits and access to publicly funded training programs.
Also available on the Parliament of Canada Web Site at the following address:http://www.parl.gc.ca
2nd Session, 40th Parliament,
57-58 Elizabeth II, 2009
house of commons of canada
BILL C-318
An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (self-employed artists and authors)
Preamble
Whereas self-employed artists and authors continue to be amongst the most underpaid members of the Canadian workforce;
Whereas self-employed artists and authors are generally unable to participate in national social benefit programs such as employment insurance and therefore cannot receive maternity, parental and sickness benefits and access to publicly funded training programs;
Whereas these limitations put a tremendous burden on these creative people at the heart of our national culture; 
And whereas Parliament recognizes the importance of extending the application of the employment insurance scheme to self-employed artists and authors in order to increase their income and ensure that these valuable cultural workers improve their socio-economic conditions;
1996, c. 23
Now, therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:
1. Section 5 of the Employment Insurance Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (2):
Artists and authors
(2.1) Despite subsection (2), insurable employment includes employment in Canada as an artist or an author under any express or implied contract for services.
Published under authority of the Speaker of the House of CommonsAvailable from:Publishing and Depository ServicesPublic Works and Government Services Canada