CNESST & Job's protection
On March 18, 2022, the Minister of Culture and Communications, Nathalie Roy, and the Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity, Jean Boulet, announced the implementation of an agreement to protect circus artists in the event of occupational injuries incurred during supervised training sessions.
The agreement between the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) and the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ), which came into effect on December 9, 2021, stipulates that the Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases be applicable to professional circus artists, thereby protecting circus artists during their training sessions.
En Piste, the National Circus Arts Alliance, is a partner in the management of the agreement with artists. Under the agreement, circus artists who are members of En Piste and who are enrolled in the Artist Training Management Service program are protected by the CNESST in the event of an injury or accident incurred during supervised training sessions that are not part of an employment contract.
To be eligible, professional artists must be proficient in one or more circus disciplines and must give paid performances either on stage, in a public space, or in media arts productions. They must have been practicing their profession for a minimum of 12 months or have graduated from an artist training program at a circus arts institution for higher education.
Training sessions must be structured and supervised by a qualified professional in an authorized venue.
IMPORTANT: Note that the agreement does not apply to artists taking part in research, creation, rehearsal, or performance activities independently or with circus companies or collectives.
Attention: the insured is covered when he/she is injured as a result of an accident. For example, if he/she falls off a rope while training or performing, the insured may claim for medical expenses incurred as a result of this accident.
En Piste will soon be holding information sessions outlining the agreement and the claims process. Stay tuned to our communications by subscribing to our newsletter and make sure to register to one of them when the time comes.
For more information:
En Piste wishes to thank the Government of Quebec for the implementation of this agreement.
What to do in case of an injury ?
A circus artist who is injured during free training must:
- Inform the person supervising his or her training or independant training and designate a witness.
- Consult a physician within 48 hours of the incident. The physician must provide a CNESST-approved medical certificate and a prescription for treatment.
- Notify En Piste by e-mail at [email protected] to open a CNESST file.
List of supervised (approved) locations for free training:
- National Circus School (Mntréal)
- Cirque Hors Piste
- École de cirque de Québec
- Les 7 Doigts
- La TOHU
- Le Monastère
- Cirque Éloize