Advocacy, for and with Canadian orchestras, and with a particular emphasis on cross-cutting national issues, is a major focus for Orchestras Canada.

Each year, we:

• consult with our professional orchestra members, and reach consensus on key issues and potential solutions;
• prepare and present briefs to Parliamentary committees, MPs and senior policy officials;
• meet regularly with MPs and others to make the case for Canadian orchestras;
• represent orchestras’ interests in consultation exercises that could affect arts, not-for-profit and charitable groups;
• take part in joint action with other groups with complementary interests, including the Performing Arts Alliance, the Canadian Arts Coalition and Imagine Canada, among others.

In 2010-11, OC’s Advocacy Committee includes

Cathryn Gregor (Toronto Symphony Orchestra), chair
Erika Beatty (Symphony Nova Scotia)
Sophie Galaise (Orchestre symphonique de Québec)
Vicki Young (Manitoba Chamber Orchestra)
Mitchell Krieger (Victoria Symphony)
Katherine Carleton (Orchestras Canada), ex officio

We are proud to be founding members of the Canadian Arts Coalition and Canada’s Performing Arts Alliance, two umbrella groups whose work helps to further our own mission.