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WGA COVID-19 Information Page

The Writers’ Guild of Alberta Calgary and Edmonton offices will be closed as we participate in the effort to slow community spread of COVID-19. Staff will be working from home and will be checking email and telephone messages regularly, and will update this site with information for writers as we monitor the developments of COVID-19.

We understand that many will be experiencing losses in income during this time.  We are working with government and funding bodies to develop programs that will support writers impacted by COVID-19. They are seeking information to help them understand the financial impact of the pandemic. You can provide information provincially to the Alberta Foundation for the Arts HERE and nationally to The Writers’ Union of Canada HERE and ILostMyGig HERE. Please do keep track of your losses should means of support become available.

We are here to support you. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to us at [email protected].

The Canada Council for the Arts released preliminary results from their survey on Federal Emergency Aid Measures. Read more HERE.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) Update

The CERB is now open to applications. You may apply online HERE according to the following schedule:


If you have questions about the CERB, there is a FAQ page HERE. You may also apply for the CERB by phone at 1-800-959-2041.

An update was made on April 15 regarding CERB eligibility and criteria. Details can be found HERE. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced more flexible rules for claiming the Canada emergency response benefit (CERB) …Seasonal workers and those who have recently run out of employment insurance will now also be eligible for CERB. People who make less than $1,000 a month due to reduced work hours will also qualify.

Economic Information

Government of Canada Resources

Regional Government Websites

Updates & Resources for Writers

The following organizations have issued statements and provided links with resources for writers and artists affected by the COVID-19 virus:

Online Resources

Online Events

The following is a list of upcoming online programming and events. If you have an online event or resource to be added, contact Ellen at [email protected]. For upcoming WGA events, visit our event calendar or check our weekly newsletter!

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