At ACTRA, we’re proud to collaborate with advertisers and brands that recognize the strength and value ACTRA performers bring to every project. Great Ads Cast ACTRA — and that means working with skilled, professional artists who bring your creative vision to life.

We thank our partners across the advertising industry — the Association of Canadian Advertisers (ACA), agencies, and brands — who prioritize quality, professionalism, and respect.

Welcome back Rogers and Canadian Tire!

BBDO Canada, one of Canada’s larger advertising agencies, is now working exclusively with ACTRA performers for their commercial projects.

This followed Publicis Toronto’s signing of a Letter of Continuance in October 2024, which marked the return of ACTRA performers to their commercials and led to a significant increase in member earnings.

We are pleased to welcome back well-known brands including McDonald’s, OLG, Rogers and Canadian Tire. These positive steps highlight the growing recognition of the exceptional talent represented by ACTRA performers and reflect the evolving commitment from the brands they represent.

Shaping the Future of Commercial Advertising

The lockout of ACTRA performers by the Institute of Canadian Agencies (ICA), initiated in April 2022, has caused hardship for many members. The ICA’s attempt to undermine our collective agreement and reduce protections built over decades is a direct attack on performers’ rights.

We have not and will not back down. ACTRA performers deserve respect, fair wages, and pension contributions. We will continue to defend these rights and ensure that only agencies adhering to the National Commercial Agreement (NCA) are permitted to hire ACTRA performers.

Commitment to National and International Union Solidarity

ACTRA values the solidarity we’ve received, especially during the ICA’s ongoing commercial lockout of ACTRA performers. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support from the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), the International Federation of Actors (FIA) and our many union siblings within Canada and around the world.

Solidarity is the cornerstone of the labour movement, and ACTRA is proud of our long-standing relationship with SAG-AFTRA. As we continue to face challenges from the ongoing ICA lockout, we are grateful for the steadfast support of our union siblings across North America.

In January, SAG-AFTRA took a powerful stand by directing members working on Canadian commercials to refuse non-union work, ensuring casts are covered under a union contract. This action reinforces our shared commitment to protecting union jobs and performers’ rights on both sides of the border.

Underscoring this unity, ACTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Marie Kelly joined SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland for the first-ever joint Instagram broadcast between our unions. Together, we continue to fight for fairness, respect, and strong union protections across the industry.

Casting ACTRA Performers in Your Commercials is EASY as 1-2-3!

ACTRA performers are the key to creating outstanding commercials that truly connect with your audience. Working with ACTRA is simple and straightforward:

Become a Signatory to the NCA
Cast Your Production
Produce Your Commercial

Become a Signatory to the NCA

To engage ACTRA performers for your commercial campaign, your ad agency or brand needs to become a signatory to the National Commercial Agreement. Simply complete and return a Letter of Continuance, along with an Intent to Produce, to your local ACTRA Branch office.

Need Help?

If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the ACTRA Branch office closest to you. We’re here to help you create memorable, high-quality commercials with ACTRA performers.

Thank you for casting ACTRA performers!