Tariff Talk

Dear Members,

There has been much discussion in the news regarding Canada-U.S. trade and while I am not an economic expert, I write to you today as your President. As part of my role, I have been thoroughly briefed on the potential impact to the film and television sector. I emphasize “potential” because really we don’t know what will happen next. Still, I felt it imperative to share some historical context and analysis with you.

It is my hope that with this message you feel better prepared to navigate these uncertain times. While we may not have all the answers, we have the resources and are dedicated to sharing what we know so you can engage on the subject with greater clarity. 

Monitoring Canada-U.S. trade developments & what you need to know

With U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods on hold for 30 days and negotiations underway for a permanent freeze, we’re keeping a close eye on every development that could impact our industry.

The good news?

Film and television remain relatively well protected in trade disputes. The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) guarantees Canadian control over our cultural industries. More importantly, the proposed U.S. tariffs apply only to physical goods crossing the border, not services, software or intellectual property. Generally, tariffs affect tangible products like lumber, steel or food products, not digital content. This provides a layer of security for our sector.

That said, we’re not taking anything for granted. ACTRA Toronto, along with our sibling unions and guilds, is monitoring the situation carefully, considering potential impacts on service production, supply chains, broadcast policy and global streaming platforms. This moment reinforces why protecting Canadian sovereignty over our cultural sector remains absolutely critical.

Beyond our industry, we’re also supporting broader efforts through the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) to ensure assistance and other protections for workers in sectors that are facing an immediate threat.

Rest assured, we’ll keep you informed as this issue evolves. If any changes arise that could affect our work, you’ll hear from us.

In solidarity,
Kate Ziegler
ACTRA Toronto President