Together, ACTRA, the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) are mobilizing our more than 50,000 members across Canada to attend all-candidates’ meetings and town halls from now until the federal election on 21 October 2019.

Cast, crew and creators from Canada’s film and television industry are banding together for the “Just Ask!” campaign, calling on members to pledge to attend one election-related event this fall and ask federal candidates/potential representatives in all 338 ridings at least one question on key issues facing our industry. Watch for more information at Labour Day and ACTRA events!

Canadian stories are at stake in this election. We must be able to continue to tell our stories in the digital age. “Creative industry workers are seeking out candidates from all political parties to “Just Ask!” them where they stand on supporting a strong Canadian film and TV industry,” said David Sparrow, ACTRA National President. “With original Canadian programming like Letterkenny, Anne with an E and Schitt’s Creek finding audiences around the world, we’ll be asking federal election candidates to share their plans to ensure the continued growth of our Canadian entertainment industry.”

Visit “justask2019.ca” (“jemimplique2019.ca”) to take the pledge, sign-up for updates, and find out about the key issues facing our industry. For example, funding of cultural agencies, film and video production tax credits, copyright protection, support for CBC/Radio Canada, protections for precarious workers, and promoting diversity in the cultural sector are all important issues affecting our members and the industry. Backgrounders and sample questions will be available on the site in the coming weeks.

Members are encouraged to share candidate answers on social media using #justask2019 (#jemimplique2019) to track commitments.

Need a “Lobbying 101” refresher? Please click to read Lisa Blanchette's “Ready, Set… Introduce Yourself” story in our recent issue of ACTRA Magazine.

We need to make our voices heard in as many places as possible. Take the pledge to “Just Ask!”
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