Leadership Structure
Our Leadership and Governance
ACTRA Toronto is an independent branch or local union of ACTRA, the Alliance of Cinema, Television and Radio Artists. It is governed by a COUNCIL of elected members of the union with the support of union staff, in accordance with the ACTRA Toronto By-Laws and with the ACTRA National Constitution and ACTRA National By-Laws.
Elections
ACTRA Toronto Council is composed of twenty-four (24) members in good standing of ACTRA Toronto, elected every two years by all full members as described in Article 5, of the ACTRA Toronto By-Laws.
ACTRA Toronto’s governing council of twenty-four performers acts as a board of directors, making the policies by which ACTRA Toronto is run.
Officers of Council
The officers of ACTRA Toronto Council consist of: the President; the immediate Past President; the Treasurer; up to five other officers, who may be given such titles and functions as ACTRA Toronto Council may determine; and the Executive Director, who is an officer of ACTRA Toronto Council with voice but without vote. The officers of ACTRA Toronto Council are commonly referred to collectively as the ACTRA Toronto Executive.
Officers other than the President and the Executive Director are named by ACTRA Toronto Council for two-year terms at the first meeting of a newly-elected Council, once it is in office. (ACTRA Toronto Council’s delegates to ACTRA national council are also named for two-year terms at this meeting).
Election of the ACTRA Toronto President
The ACTRA Toronto President is the Chair of the ACTRA Toronto Council and is elected by that body every alternate year to the Council election year. The ACTRA Toronto By-Laws designate the President as the official spokesperson for ACTRA Toronto.
Current ACTRA Toronto President
Kate Ziegler was elected President of ACTRA Toronto on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025 for a two-year term, in accordance with the ACTRA Toronto By-laws.
Kate joined ACTRA in 2011, channelling her passion for storytelling into a dynamic career in film, television, theatre and voiceover. Over the past decade, Kate has shifted her focus to become a leading voice talent, lending her skills to thousands of commercials and has served as the brand voice for major national campaigns, including Rogers, Ford and Lotto 6/49. A dedicated advocate for voice artists, Kate champions the protection and integrity of performers across all genres. Her previous on-screen credits include roles in Flashpoint, God & Country, Man Vs. and The Divide.
Beyond her artistic accomplishments, Kate has emerged as a powerful advocate for the creative working class. A committed labour organizer since 2022, she has been relentless in her efforts to resolve the on-going labour dispute that has continued to deeply affect ACTRA commercial performers. In 2024, she was honoured to deliver a keynote address at the Labor Notes Conference in Chicago, where she shared her insights on union democracy and collective power with thousands of attendees.
Kate holds an Honours BA in Communication Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University and serves as the ACTRA Toronto representative on the Political Action Committee of the Ontario Federation of Labour, amplifying performers’ rightful place within the labour movement.
Kate is dedicated to fostering cross-union solidarity and strengthening union power. Through her work, she strives to ensure ACTRA members’ voices across all performance categories are not only heard but valued, advancing unity and collective strength within the industry.
How Council Works
It is the practice of ACTRA Toronto Council to meet on the first Tuesday of every month in the Sean Mulcahy Council Chamber at the ACTRA Toronto office or on-line through video-conferencing, except for one month in the summer. Council must meet once every three months. Quorum for regular business is 12 members or alternates present. The By-Laws define an expanded quorum where issues such as budgets or elections are required.
The Minutes of Council meetings are posted on-line once they have been approved by the ACTRA Toronto Council. Council meetings are chaired by the ACTRA Toronto President and conducted in accordance with Bourinot’s Rules of Order.
ACTRA Toronto’s Operating Plan and Budget are set by the Council each year and presented at the Annual General Meeting of Members in February. View the Operating Plan and Audited Financial Statements for details.
Many Councillors also serve the members through ACTRA Toronto committees which address issues of interest to members.
What Does ACTRA Toronto Council do?
- Develops an annual operating plan and budget
- Establishes policies and procedures for the branch
- Supports committees, caucuses and advocates in outreach, organizing and activism
- Debates and votes on motions to respond to member and industry concerns
- Communicates decisions and actions to members with one voice
- Holds staff accountable – through the Executive Director
- Elects National Councillors to represent ACTRA Toronto on ACTRA’s National Council
The ACTRA Toronto Councillor Handbook
ACTRA Toronto Councillors are careful custodians of our union’s history, faithful stewards of our union’s resources, fearless champions of our union’s interests and inspired pathfinders to our union’s future.
It’s a big job!
Fortunately, the ACTRA Toronto Councillor Handbook helps new Councillors understand what Council does and how it operates so that they can take their place at the Council table with confidence and a solid understanding of their role and its responsibilities.
CLICK TO READ THE ACTRA TORONTO COUNCILLOR HANDBOOK
Get Involved!
To reach any Council member, or to speak with an ACTRA Toronto staff member, dial our main switchboard at 416-928-2278 or call us toll-free at 1-877-913-2278.
Contact a member of a committee if you are an Apprentice member, Full member or ACTRA Additional Background Performer who would like to contribute to your profession by becoming more directly involved in ACTRA’s activities and governance.
Your energy and enthusiasm are welcome!