By Fabienne 

Structural inequalities, observed for so many years, have been amplified and increased tenfold by the pandemic. We must act with courage. We must act with determination. We must act now.

Resolutely progressive, equitable, and even feminist, Chrystia Freeland’s first budget - first woman Finance Minister of Canada - reflects a voluntary, proactive approach to supporting women, Black and racialized communities, and the arts sector. Something we can be proud of. These measures must now be deployed so that the invested funds have a real impact on their health, their personal and professional development and on their future, knowing that it will have a positive impact on our society.

Black and racialized people are among the groups most severely affected by COVID-19, both in terms of health and the economy. A reality that stems from a legacy of systemic racism, which has caused visible minorities to be hit harder by both the virus and the economic downturn, as they are less protected or supported by our institutions.

Women are on the front lines, in every sense of the word. They make up the majority who are employed as healthcare workers and caregivers; their professional development considerably slowed down by the obligation to support their children in their schooling at home and not to mention, the disproportionate job losses for women in the tourism and retail sectors. And as if that were not enough, the outbreak of domestic violence is shocking and overly concerning. These circumstances are why women, and more so women of colour, have been – and still are – more exposed to the virus and all its repercussions.

To truly help all these people, these objectives, programs, and funds must move from the ministries, envelopes, and forms to the grounds quickly and immediately. It also means rethinking the distribution of funds by taking into account the expertise and an in-depth understanding of organizations and communities, to make them accessible where it will make a real difference.

Moreover, that same spirit should guide the effort to support artists, creators, and the cultural sector in general. The arts sector is not an industry like any other. It is the beating heart of our society, a wide array of perspectives on where we come from, who we are and perhaps who we want to become. The closing of arts and creation spaces, and common experience is a real hardship for audiences and a tragedy for the artists.

We reiterate that intentions must materialize quickly and in such a way as to act as a lever that will allow the entire arts community to get back on its feet and redeploy its multiple talents.

The government has the necessary means to achieve its ambitions. Its next challenge is to ensure that it acts where it matters. It’s essential that the funds do not remain numbers on a chart, but that they are transformed into projects, achievements, and be distributed as quickly as possible to have a real impact in our communities.

The government can count on a whole ecosystem of grassroots organizations, foundations and leaders who are there to help this colossal venture to succeed.

Fabienne Cola is an Actress, Filmmaker, Producer, Entrepreneur - Founder and CEO of Black Film Festival of Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Calgary, Ottawa and Vancouver; President founder of the Fabienne Colas Foundation and Founder-Chairman of the Board of Women of Colour Thrive.