As a fashion lawyer, I understand the importance of the interplay between government support and the legal framework in order for industry to flourish. The fashion industry is no exception.
An opportunity has presented itself that I felt important to bring to your attention.
The Ontario provincial government is creating a Culture Strategy for Ontario. This is a first for Ontario, which is fantastic. However, there is an important omission: the fashion industry is not included as part of ‘culture’ or the ‘arts’. Creating the Culture Strategy for Ontario is in its infancy and the government wants your input. As such, the Province will be conducting a series of consultations to ensure that the Culture Strategy of Ontario encompasses and impacts what is important to Ontarians.
There is a lot at stake if fashion continues to be excluded as part of ‘culture’ and ‘arts’. In 2014-2015, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport’s total spending on culture was $800 million. Now is our opportunity to ensure that fashion is included in the budget. The fashion industry is a significant contributor to Ontario’s culture and economy; but, unfortunately it is up to the fashion industry to prove that it deserves to get a piece of the pie.
If you would like to get more information, visit the Culture Strategy’s website at Ontario.ca/culturetalks.
If you would like to have your voice heard, you can:
- send your comments in writing to culturetalks@ontario.ca. The comments must be submitted by December 7, 2015; and/or
- attend a public town hall meeting, which will held at various cities throughout Ontario. The Toronto town hall meeting will be held on November 12 from 7pm to 9:30pm at Currie Hall at the National Ballet School. (For other cities, please go to Ontario.ca/culturetalks for details).
Join the conversation.
Canada Fashion Law 