Current Initiatives
Accessibility
TWUC applies its accessibility policy to all Union activities, and calls for the same principles to be broadly adopted across the writing and publishing sector.
Basic Income Guarantee
TWUC advocates for a Basic Income Guarantee that would help to stabilize authors’ earning patterns and provide the stability necessary to continue creating
Canadian Books in Schools
TWUC calls for legislative solutions in all provinces to ensure Canadian authored and published books are a substantial part of school curricula and reading lists.
Copyright
TWUC advocates for strong and fair copyright legislation in Canada and around the world in order to ensure writers maintain control of their work and are paid fairly for its use.
COVID-19 Relief
TWUC responds to the devastating economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and advocates for author eligibility for emergency relief funds.
Equity & Inclusion
All of TWUC’s activities are informed by equity principles, and TWUC calls for the same principles to be broadly adopted across the writing and publishing sector.
Fair Contracts
TWUC advocates for contract terms that fairly reflect the labour behind authors’ works, the ownership of their copyright, and changing practical realities within the publishing industry.
Federal Budget
TWUC submits strategic recommendations to the federal government’s pre-budget consultations.
Freedom to Read
TWUC has long fought state censorship restrictions on which works individuals can access and read. TWUC believes the freedom to read is a cornerstone to a free society.
International
While TWUC advocacy is focused mainly on Canada, we are increasingly active internationally, working with colleague and partner organizations to encourage and protect professional creation.
Morals Clauses in Contracts
TWUC is advocating with the publishing sector to remove morals clauses from their contracts on the basis that these clauses unduly constrain authors, and can render them powerless to protect their work and incomes in the face of frivolous accusations of immoral or illegal behaviour.
Piracy
TWUC advocates for stronger laws and regulations to discourage and punish acts of illegal copying and sharing of created works.
Public Lending Right
TWUC continues to advocate for improvements to Canada’s Public Lending Right program, and joins with our international colleagues in encouraging the development of PLR systems across the globe.
Taxes for Writers
TWUC advocates for progressive tax policies that recognize the special nature of writers' incomes.
