ACTRA PERFORMERS RATIFY NEW INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION AGREEMENT
98.3% Vote Yes 

TORONTO, June 29, 2009 - Canadian performers have ratified the new Independent Production Agreement (IPA) negotiated with the Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA) and the Association des producteurs de films et de télévision du Québec (APFTQ). The new Agreement gives performers a rate increase of 2% each year for three years while the balance of the IPA terms and conditions remain unchanged.

"This vote of confidence from our membership demonstrates our union's strength and solidarity," said Ferne Downey, President of ACTRA. "With this ratified agreement in place, we can focus our efforts on strengthening our industry and creating more work opportunities for performers."

"This agreement is one of the best in the world. We're glad our members agree that there was no reason to make substantive changes to it at this time," said Stephen Waddell, ACTRA's Chief Negotiator and National Executive Director.

The IPA covers the engagement of performers on all film, television and new media production in Canada, except for British Columbia in which province ACTRA's local, the UBCP negotiates a separate collective agreement. 
  
The deal will take effect on January 1, 2010 and expire December 31, 2012. 

ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is the national organization of professional performers working in the English-language recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents the interests of 21,000 members across Canada - the foundation of Canada's highly acclaimed professional performing community.

For more information: Carol Taverner, Public Relations Officer, (416) 644-1519, ctaverner@actra.ca