The Writers’ Union provides support and resources for writers while also advocating on their behalf to government and other appropriate organizations and sector partners.

The Union was established in 1973 (see history) by a group of writers working to unite Canada’s writers to address issues of common concern. Since the Union’s inception it has developed a number of valuable programs and resources for writers, including:

A web page for each member of the Union which highlights the members accomplishments and publications as well as providing information to interested parties regarding the authors’ reading fees and availability.

Access to reading programs including the National Public Reading Program and the Ontario Writers-in-the-Schools programs. These programs provide writers with an opportunity to promote themselves and their work while also providing an honorarium to compensate the author for his or her time.

An opportunity to attend the Union’s Annual General Meeting, for which a travel subsidy is available, and participate in the shaping of Union policy, a day of professional development workshops, and meet with peers.

Copies of all Union publications including: Model Trade Book Agreement, Help Yourself to a Better Contract, Incorporation for Writers, New Technologies, and Author and Editor.

The Union’s quarterly newsletter, Write, which is full of professional information, developments in the literary community, industry news, and timely features.

Members also receive Agreement advice and grievance assistance.

These are just some of the benefits of joining the Union. In addition to these programs and services members’ dues support the ongoing work of the Union, which benefits all writers. The Union’s achievements include the establishment of Public Lending Right and Access Copyright, which provide writers with financial compensation for the use of their work by libraries and through electronic reproduction, including photocopying.

Today the Union is advocating on behalf of writers on a number of issues including:

• The Google settlement;
• Reforming income tax laws to ensure fairness for writers;
• Having the federal government reverse its cuts to the public diplomacy budget of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which will negatively impact programs that allow authors to promote their work in Canada and abroad;
• Ensuring that status of the artist legislation is introduced in Ontario and includes a well-worded labour relations component that would allow creators’ organizations to negotiate minimum terms agreements with producers;
• Ensuring that new copyright legislation reflects the views and needs of creators;
• Implementing programs to increase writers’ incomes; and
• Defending the freedom to write and publish by, among other things, opposing the use of anti-terrorism legislation to inhibit a journalist’s ability to fully report on a given story.

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