Statements

TORONTO (July 13, 2023) – ACTRA’s 28,000 members from across Canada stand in steadfast solidarity with SAG-AFTRA and its members in their effort to achieve a fair and equitable contract.

“We recognize that their fight is our fight and is for the good of all performers,” said Eleanor Noble, ACTRA National President.

ACTRA will support SAG-AFTRA and its members by all lawful means, as they begin strike action at midnight tonight.

ACTRA will support SAG-AFTRA’s refusal to issue new Global Rule One Memorandum of Understanding that undermine the strike during its duration. 

“Together we will continue working to ensure performers are respected and achieve fair compensation for the value we bring to every production,” said Noble.

About ACTRA:

ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is the national union of professional performers working in recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents the interests of over 28,000 members across the country – the foundation of Canada’s highly acclaimed professional performing community.

Contacts:

Natalie Clancy, Director of Public Affairs and Communications, ACTRA National: nclancy@actra.ca

“Today, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, taking away the right to choose for millions of Americans. Canada maintains its position and continues to protect access to abortion and reproductive rights. We recognize that the news of today’s ruling may cause or reawaken pain or trauma for ACTRA members. Support is available through HAVEN Helpline (1-855-201-7823) or by visiting www.actra.ca/haven. To UBCP/ACTRA members, support resources can be found here.”

Eleanor Noble, ACTRA National President

ACTRA stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who suddenly find themselves surrounded by violence and hatred, and facing an uncertain future following Russia’s attack on their country. To Canada’s Ukrainian-Canadian community, who fear today for the safety of family and friends affected by Russia’s unprovoked attack, we stand with you and support you.

We also stand in solidarity with our colleagues in the media and broadcasting sector who continue to do their jobs despite the risk to keep the world informed.

We call for an immediate end to Russia’s attack and the return of a peaceful, safe, prosperous and independent Ukraine.

To our ACTRA members, if these events cause or reawaken pain or trauma, support is available through HAVEN Helpline (1-855-201-7823) or visit www.actra.ca/haven. To our UBCP/ACTRA members, support resources can be found here.

TORONTO, ON (September 29, 2021) – ACTRA’s 27,000 members working across Canada’s film, television and digital media industry stand in solidarity with IATSE in their fight for a fair deal in the United States with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

“IATSE members deserve better working conditions,” says ACTRA National President Eleanor Noble. “At stake are long workdays, adequate rest periods, and fair wages for all workers across the industry. These are basic quality of life issues that impact all of us. All performers rely on the talented crews working behind the scenes and we support each other in our efforts to achieve respect on set.”

ACTRA will continue to monitor the situation and will work with IATSE on any impacts to Canadian production. We will update our members with new information as it becomes available.

We stand in solidarity with IATSE.

About ACTRA:
ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is the national union of professional performers working in English-language recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents the interests of over 27,000 members across the country – the foundation of Canada’s highly acclaimed professional performing community.

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Media Contact:
Carol Taverner, Public Relations Officer, ACTRA National, Tel: 416-644-1519, E-mail: ctaverner@actra.ca

TORONTO, ON (September 28, 2021) – ACTRA National President Eleanor Noble issued the following statement in support of the workers trapped underground at Vale’s Totten Mine in Sudbury, Ontario:

“Our thoughts are with the miners still trapped underground at Vale’s Totten Mine in Sudbury,” said Eleanor Noble, ACTRA National President. “The rescue operation underway has so far evacuated 33 miners safely. We are optimistic the remaining six miners will be above ground and reunited with their families soon.”

The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) has a strategic alliance with the United Steelworkers (USW), the union who represents the miners at Vale’s Totten Mine.

About ACTRA:
ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is the national union of professional performers working in English-language recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents the interests of over 27,000 members across the country – the foundation of Canada’s highly acclaimed professional performing community.

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Media Contact:
Carol Taverner, Public Relations Officer, ACTRA National, Tel: 416-644-1519, E-mail: ctaverner@actra.ca

The tragic and devastating news about the recent discovery of the mass burial site near the Kamloops Indian Residential School containing the bodies of 215 children serves as a heartbreaking reminder and reconfirms how crucial it is for everyone to continue the journey towards truth and reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous Peoples. Residential schools and the systematic destruction of Indigenous Peoples are not a distant chapter in our history. We must all unreservedly acknowledge this truth and address these historical and ongoing wrongs, so we can build a better future.

ACTRA stands in solidarity with our Indigenous Members and communities-at-large and hopes we will see justice for the lives lost in Kamloops and across Canada.

The voices and stories of Indigenous Peoples have been silenced for too long over the course of Canada’s history. Representation matters – on screen and in our communities. Within our union and industry, we will continue to listen and advocate for our Indigenous members to ensure their stories are heard and seen.

June is National Indigenous History Month and provides us with an opportunity to reflect on and learn from the unique heritage, cultures, and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada. It is a time to honour Canada’s Indigenous Peoples and grow by reading, watching or listening to the artistic works of Indigenous creators to deepen our understanding of their stories and perspectives.

To our Indigenous ACTRA members: this news has likely caused or reawakened pain or trauma. If you need support, please call HAVEN Helpline (1-855-201-7823) or visit www.actra.ca/haven. The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line (1-866-925-4419) also provides 24/7 support to residential school survivors and others who are affected.

Union members and the general public are also invited to make a donation to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society of BC if you are in a position to do so.

We call for action to end the systemic racism, oppression, violence and discrimination against our Black sisters and brothers that exists here in Canada and around the world.

Changing our culture takes a collective voice. We commit to being one of those voices and will not stay silent in the face of these racialized injustices.

ACTRA is proud to represent Canadian performers and will continue to advocate for equality for our Black performers. As storytellers, it is important for our Black members to use their talents to connect with people and have a voice in how their stories are represented on screen for the world to see and hear.

We will continue to listen and advocate for our Black members to ensure their stories are heard and seen. We will also do our part to raise our voices to ensure real inclusion is part of Canada’s diverse cultural fabric.