Your Vote Will Shape Canada’s Cultural Future
Dear ACTRA Members,
As we approach the federal election on April 28, let’s work together to elect a government that prioritizes a “Made in Canada” future and strengthens our screen sector. This election is our opportunity to highlight our multi-billion-dollar industry, which is vital to both our national identity and economic strength.
The election comes at a critical time for Canada. In response to the aggressive actions of the administration in Washington, D.C., including detrimental tariffs and threats to Canadian sovereignty, Canadians are uniting with “Elbows Up” and are dedicated to promoting and supporting Canadian products and services.
ACTRA is joining this effort with our “Buy Canadian. Watch Canadian.” campaign. We encourage your participation to help amplify this important message by sharing #BuyCanadianWatchCanadian on social media.
We have reached out to all major political parties to gather their positions on the future of our screen industry. Their responses, along with other non-partisan resources, will be available on this page under the Campaign Spotlight section. Visit this page regularly to stay informed and make an empowered decision at the ballot box—one that supports Canadian culture and your livelihood.
Let’s remind everyone that choosing Canadian goes beyond the grocery store—Canadian content should be on every Canadian’s shopping list.
Together, we can shape the future of Canada’s cultural and creative industries.
In Solidarity,
Eleanor Noble
ACTRA National President
Ensure you’re registered to vote with Elections Canada.
If you’re unavailable on Election Day, find information on advance polls near you.
ACTRA members outside Canada can find instructions for voting abroad.
The CBC must be funded adequately to remain as Canada’s national public broadcaster to promote our unique culture.
Supporting Performers
Not Supporting Performers
The Online Streaming Act must be enforced now so that CanCon and public funding prioritizes Canadian performers and stories.
Supporting Performers
Not Supporting Performers
Cultural “products” like film and tv production must be promoted so Canadians not only “Buy Canadian” but also “Watch Canadian.”
Supporting Performers
Not Supporting Performers
The Copyright Act must be amended to protect the moral rights in audiovisual performance and to protect against unchecked AI.
Supporting Performers
Not Supporting Performers
All government commercials and films productions must be produced with unionized workers and signatories to ACTRA agreements.
Supporting Performers
Not Supporting Performers
ACTRA has reached out to all major federal political parties with a set of questions regarding their support for the screen industry. We’ll share their responses as they come in, so you can see where each party stands when it comes to our industry and policies that will protect every Canadian performer.
1)
Cultural products, like film and television productions, are no different than any other product on our shelves. What will your party do to promote Canadians to not only buy Canadian but “Buy Canadian. Watch Canadian.”?
2)
Will your party continue to financially support, and strengthen, the CBC so it can continue to be a public voice for Canadians and promote our unique culture?
3)
Will your party do everything in its power to enforce the implementation of Bill C-11: The Online Streaming Act regarding Canadian Content and public funding rules that prioritize Canadian performers and stories?
4)
Will your party commit to amending the Copyright Act to include moral rights in audiovisual performance for Canadian actors (as it does for other artists), and protect performers against unchecked artificial intelligence?
5)
All government commercials and filmed productions should only be produced under union collective agreements to protect Canadian workers. Will your party direct The Treasury Board to work solely with unionized workers and signatories to ACTRA’s collective bargaining agreements?
You never know when you may get to play a leading role your riding. If you meet your local candidates, start with the questions we asked the parties above and see who best aligns with your reality as a Canadian performer.
Meet them at events, communicate on their social media platforms or send them an email – every local race matters.
Want to learn more about the candidates in your riding? Use Elections Canada’s regularly updated candidate locator.
Let’s unite as a community of performers and ensure our voices are heard. Our multi-billion dollar industry deserves to be heard just like any other significant sector.