In 1992, the Federal Government proclaimed the Status of the Artist Act, which officially recognizes an artist as a professional. CARFAC National was certified in 1998 to represent all visual and media artists outside of Quebec. This means that CARFAC National was given the power to negotiate collective agreements with all federal institutions - such as the National Gallery, the Museum of Civilization, and others - on behalf of Canada's artists. In Ontario, Provincial Status of the Artist legislation could prove to be one of the greatest opportunities for visual and media artists to protect their rights and improve their status.
A Primer to Status of the Artists is designed to inform our members’ about Status of the Artist legislation and assist in advocating for Status of the Artist legislation with their local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP). 
In October 2006, the Ontario Ministry of Culture released the long awaited Report on the Socio-Economic Status of the Artist in Ontario in the 21st Century. This report was issued to the Ministry of Culture by the Status of the Artist Sub-Committee and the Minister’s Advisory Council for Arts and Culture. The report contained twenty-three recommendations for recognizing the value of the contributions made by artists in Ontario. T
he Ontario government released a press statement on May 10, 2007 announcing the passing of Status of Ontario's Artists Act, 2007 (Bill 187 - Schedule 39)
CARFAC Ontario continues to advocate for Status of the Artist Legislation that will improve the socio-economic position of all visual and media artists.

http://www.carfacontario.ca/