TORONTO (May 22, 2025) – Representing the union of Canadian performers, ACTRA National President Eleanor Noble and National Executive Director Marie Kelly appeared before the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today to advocate for a stronger definition of Canadian content that prioritizes Canadian talent and investment into domestic production.

Eleanor Noble urged the Commission to update the current points system to award two points each to the first and second lead Canadian performers — an essential step to ensure they are properly valued and counted towards CanCon certification.

“There’s little merit in modernizing Canadian content regulations if they fail to protect and promote well-paying jobs for Canadian performers,” said Noble. “Productions using AI-generated performances must be excluded from CanCon certification. Productions must also adhere to collective bargaining agreements to ensure job creation for unionized performers. Instead of a Hollywood success story, let’s make a Canadian success story.”

Marie Kelly echoed the urgency of the moment: “Canada’s audiovisual sector stands at a crossroads. We must invest in a strong, truly domestic production industry capable of withstanding external pressures and competing globally. Now is the time to reinforce our cultural infrastructure so Canadian stories are not only told but seen both at home and abroad.”

ACTRA’s testimony comes during the CRTC’s public hearings, running through May 27, 2025, in Gatineau, Quebec, focused on redefining Canadian content and enhancing support for the creation and distribution of domestic audiovisual programming.

About ACTRA:

Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) is the national union of professional performers working in recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents the interests of over 30,000 members across the country – the foundation of Canada’s highly acclaimed professional performing community.

Media Contact:
Carol Taverner, ACTRA National Public Relations Officer, Email: ctaverner@actra.ca