Artificial Intelligence and the threats its unchecked use poses to the cultural industry – and society – represents one of the biggest issues ACTRA members face today and will likely continue to do so for years to come.

ACTRA is steadfast in calls for action from both the production industry and the highest levels of the Canadian government. This rapidly evolving issue can be difficult to navigate so bookmark this page to find the latest ACTRA AI updates in one place.

POLITICAL POLICY AND SUBMISSIONS

As one of the most active lobbyists in the cultural industries, ACTRA meets with Ministers, MP’s and Departments who will be responsible for crafting and passing legislation to defend against unchecked AI. Whether through in-person meetings or official submissions, ACTRA is on the front line of AI policy advocacy.

Bill C-27: Artificial Intelligence and Data Act
ACTRA Submission to Canadian Heritage and Innovation, Science and Industry Consultation
on a Modern Copyright Framework for Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things (September 17, 2021)
Bill C-16: Protecting Victims Act

MORE CAN, LESS CON

The CRTC will have significant influence over how AI is permitted to be used in Canada’s screen industry. Despite positive signs in the Commission’s plans to operationalize Bill C-11, where key creative positions are to be protected from AI replacement, the union must remain vigilant. Studios and streamers have plenty to gain financially from AI synthetics replacing human roles, which is why ACTRA must hold the CRTC to account.

May 22, 2025

Don’t count AI-generated content as CanCon, CRTC hears

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May 23, 2025

ACTRA warns CRTC of AI threat to on-screen performers

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NO RENDER REQUIRED

AI may be the shiny new toy, and while it can create content – it can’t create culture. AI slop pollutes the media and introduces real societal risks. It’s time to look beyond the memes and the ChatGPT hype to focus on the real-world impact.

Jan. 20, 2026

Jan. 13, 2026

True Lies

AI and disinformation go hand-in-hand… and unions are in their crosshairs. Read Eleanor Noble’s article in CHROMA issue 01

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Dec. 3, 2025

NB Liquor’s AI ad has local creative industry calling it ‘lazy’ and ‘an insult’

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March 31, 2025

AI was enemy No. 1 during Hollywood strikes. Now it’s in Oscar-winning films

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IN THE MEDIA

AI can be a confusing and challenging topic for many. ACTRA actively engages with the media to educate audiences to see beyond the “fun” side of AI, and its inherent danger to Canadian culture.

Dec. 9, 2025

The Elias Makos Show on Montreal’s CJAD 800 talk radio – Marie Kelly speaks on misuse of AI in recent New Brunswick Liquor Board commercial

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Oct. 2, 2025

The Hollywood Reporter: AI-Generated Actress Tilly Norwood Slammed by Canadian Performers Union as “Nothing But Lines of Code”

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Oct. 1, 2025

Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated ‘actor,” faces Hollywood, celebrity backlash – Marie Kelly featured in video clip

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STAY CONNECTED

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