Your Vote Will Shape Canada’s Cultural Future
The federal election on Monday, April 28, 2025, is an opportunity for ACTRA members to play a crucial role in the future of Canada’s cultural landscape. Our multi-billion dollar industry is key to our national identity and economic strength, and with the right policies, we can continue driving job creation, innovation, and growth.
This election comes at a critical time for our country. We are living under a cloud of aggressive tariffs, a trade war, and even threats to the sovereignty of Canada by the administration in Washington D.C. Canadians are doing their best to fight back, most notably by buying Canadian products and services instead of American alternatives.
As part of our larger election campaign we are also running our “Buy Canadian. Watch Canadian.” campaign. This campaign is for us to tell Canada, and the world, that the amazing art that ACTRA performers help create is a product like any other. We want consumers of culture, not just groceries, to think twice before streaming a Hollywood blockbuster and look for that maple leaf on our amazing homegrown products. So watch out for our #BuyCanadianWatchCanadian campaign on our social media and amplify them far and wide!
Be sure to check back here regularly for the latest information to help you make a decision at the ballot box that will keep Canadian culture and your jobs in the spotlight.
- 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.
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.
