Important COVID-19 Resources for Creators and Publishers

Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)

As of October 2020, employed and self-employed persons who are affected by COVID-19 and are not entitled to Employment Insurance (EI) can apply for the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB). 

Eligible applicants can receive $1,000 ($900 after taxes withheld) for a two-week period. If your situation continues past two weeks, you will need to re-apply. Applicants may apply up to a total of 13 eligibility periods (26 weeks) between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.

For information about how and when to apply, eligibility period dates, and information on tax please visit the government website, by clicking here. 

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)

Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations or charities who experienced a decrease in revenue due to COVID-19 are eligible to apply for the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS). The subsidy can be used to cover rent or property expenses and doesn’t require the participation of a landlord. The payments will be made directly to the renter and property owners. To check if your business or organization is eligible for this subsidy, click here.

Canada Emergency Wage Service (CEWS)

If you are a Canadian employer whose revenue has taken a hit due to COVID-19, you might be eligible for the Canada Emergency Wage Service (CEWS). The program will allow you cover part of your employees’ wages.  

CEWS is available until December 19, 2020, with a possible extension until June 2021.

Access Copyright initiatives 

Read Aloud Canadian Books Program: The program is available from July 1 to December 31, 2020 as a complimentary add-on to the Access Copyright licence at licensed K-12 and independent schools, as well as licensed public libraries.

If you would like to offer your work to be used in the program, please email affiliates@accesscopyright.ca.

voicEd Radio Canada has created a podcast series: I Value Canadian Stories, highlighting the work, the creative habits and unique perspectives of Canadian children and young adult authors.

Funding Resources, including Emergency Relief 

Canada Council for the Arts has a page with useful information for artists and art organizations who have been impacted by COVID-19.

Glad Day has created an emergency fund to help LGBTQ2S artists, performers and tip-based workers who are facing dire financial need. You can apply for support by clicking here.

CBC has a comprehensive list of funding and resources for artists and freelancers.

The BC Arts Council has an extensive FAQ page with new funding and grant opportunities.

The BC Emergency Benefit for workers provides a one-time, tax-free $1,000 payment; Self-employed and workers not eligible for EI can apply for the benefit.

The Atlantic Publishers Marketing Association has COVID-19 resources for its members, including information about their grant applications extensions.

The Saskatchewan Arts Board has an info page regarding their grants and event cancellations.

The Manitoba Arts Council has an FAQ regarding their grants and a list of resources for artists dealing with COVID-19.

Ontario Arts Council is regularly updating a list of resources for creators and has information about grant applications.  

Arts Nova Scotia has extended their grant application deadlines. You can also find information about virtual events and emergency support for artists. Please visit their website to learn more.

The Edmonton Arts Council has posted an info page with FAQs regarding their grants, events and services.

The Calgary Arts Council has a list of funding opportunities for creators, artists and musicians.  

Please visit the following sites for cancellations or policy changes for content use during COVID-19:

Publishers Weekly has a list of cancellations, policy changes and more related to the publishing industry.

School Library Journal has a list of children's publishers, who have temporarily altered policies to help teachers move their classes online.

While Access Copyright’s staff is working remotely we remain available to answer your calls and emails as per usual.

Access Copyright urges you to visit the Public Health Agency of Canada for the latest information on COVID-19. We continue to monitor the situation and diligently work towards supporting publishers and creators during these unprecedented times. Please stay safe and healthy.