For the first time, on November 9, a pan-Canadian delegation representing the circus arts sector met, via videoconference, with the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Steven Guilbeault.
Fourteen leaders from various Canadian circus communities, brought together by En Piste, united to advocate for the interests of the sector. They requested increased support from the federal government, as well as a governmental action plan that will address the major challenges across all areas of activity within the sector and support its recovery throughout Canada.
Christine Bouchard (En Piste, Montreal, Quebec) presented the overall situation of the sector and moderated the meeting.
The training sector and talent development were represented by Éric Langlois (National Circus School, Montreal, Quebec), Annie Dugan (Firefly Theatre and Circus, Edmonton, Alberta), and Mike Hirschbach (Halifax Circus, Nova Scotia).
Holly Treddenick (Femmes du feu, Toronto, Ontario), Yamoussa Bangoura (Productions Kalabanté, Montreal, Quebec), and Saali Kuata (Tupiq A.C.T., Kuujjuak, Nunavik) were present to represent the vitality, creation, and innovation of circus arts.
To discuss market development and dissemination methods, Stéphane Lavoie (TOHU, Montreal, Quebec), Anahareo Doelle (Wonderbolt Productions and St. John’s International CircusFest, Newfoundland and Labrador), and Vincent Messager (Dolce Vita Spectacles, Montreal, Quebec) were present.
Karine Lavoie (Cirque Hors Piste, Montreal, Quebec) and Dean Bareham (Green Fools Theatre, Calgary, Alberta) shared the responsibility of presenting social circus as an agent of transformation.
Finally, Marie-Claude Bouillon (Luna Caballera, Chaudières-Appalaches, Quebec) and Yannick Mainville (Circus Stella, Moncton, New Brunswick) demonstrated our need for structuring and public funding.
During this hour of discussion, the Minister listened attentively to the urgent and diverse needs of our sector, exacerbated by the impacts of the pandemic. We warmly thank him, as well as his cabinet team, for this enriching meeting. We will need the support of all our partners to overcome the crisis facing our community.
We leave you with these beautiful words from our President, Marie-Claude Bouillon:
“I am truly moved and touched to have seen my community standing tall, vibrant, ready, and above all, united. Facing us, there was sensitivity, attentiveness, and understanding, even though times are difficult. I do not know what the future holds, but we are strong and resilient, and above all, together!”