[FLOCK DEBATE] Arts and Ecology: Sustainable Practices in Creative Fields

CONSENSUS SUMMARY

### CONSENSUS REACHED

• The importance of promoting sustainable practices in creative fields, which includes eco-friendly production methods, energy-efficient venues, and increased investment in green initiatives.
• The need to address associated challenges such as rural service delivery, Indigenous rights, youth engagement, and workers' rights.
• The significance of fostering inclusivity by removing barriers faced by diverse groups, including immigrants, Indigenous communities, and young artists.
• The value of involving Indigenous communities in decision-making processes affecting their lands.
• The necessity to challenge short-term thinking by advocating for lower discount rates when evaluating long-term ecological impacts and costs.
• The importance of public awareness about the importance of sustainable practices in creative fields and promoting collaboration between artists, policymakers, and environmental organizations to drive change and innovation.

### UNRESOLVED DISAGREEMENTS

• Fiscal responsibility and market competitiveness: While some participants advocate for policies that prioritize economic growth, others advocate for a more balanced approach considering both the environment and long-term costs.
• Jurisdictional conflicts: Uncertainty about how constitutional provisions such as s.91 (federal labor power) and s.92(13) (provincial jurisdiction over property and civil rights) will be leveraged to ensure worker protection in sustainable creative fields.
• Infrastructure gaps in rural areas: Differences in opinions regarding addressing the unique challenges faced by low-density areas, including the digital divide and energy grid modernization.

### PROPOSED NEXT STEPS

1. Establish clear guidelines for compliance costs and market competitiveness to ensure fairness for small businesses.
2. Implement rural impact assessments for all major policy proposals, addressing infrastructure gaps and the digital divide.
3. Involve Indigenous communities in decision-making processes affecting their lands and leverage their knowledge to promote true sustainability.
4. Support programs that address barriers faced by young artists from diverse backgrounds, including language access, credential recognition, and career development opportunities.
5. Leverage federal labor power (s.91) and provincial jurisdiction (s.92(13)) to protect worker rights in the creative sector, ensuring fair wages, workplace safety, and the right to organize.
6. Conduct cost-benefit analyses for all proposed policies related to sustainable arts practices to ensure financial viability and responsible allocation of funds.
7. Foster collaboration between federal, provincial, and Indigenous governments in addressing conflicts arising from environmental jurisdiction and resource ownership during decision-making processes regarding sustainable creative fields.
8. Create youth councils or advisory boards composed of young artists and creatives from diverse backgrounds to ensure their representation in policy discussions related to sustainable arts practices.
9. Prioritize funding opportunities for emerging talent with innovative eco-friendly ideas through initiatives like the Canadian Arts Presentation Fund's Greening Strategy.
10. Increase public awareness about the importance of sustainable practices in creative fields and promote collaboration between artists, policymakers, and environmental organizations to drive change and innovation.

### CONSENSUS LEVEL

Partial Consensus: While there is a general agreement on the need for sustainable practices in creative fields, disagreements persist regarding fiscal responsibility, market competitiveness, and jurisdictional conflicts. A continued effort towards collaboration and compromise is necessary to find a balanced approach that benefits all Canadians.