ACTRA Toronto Local Union Election

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Step up. Stand together. Shape what’s next.

This fall, ACTRA Toronto members will elect a new Council. We are calling on builders, bridge makers, problem solvers, and straight shooters. If you care about decent work, fair pay and the dignity of Performers, now is the time to step forward.

Our industry is under pressure. Production has ebbed. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the work. There are potential tariff threats. Commercial Performers have faced an ongoing lockout by the Institute of Canadian Agencies (ICA). These are real challenges that demand smart, steady leadership.

And yet, we have momentum. Members have just ratified a strong Independent Production Agreement. Our provincial advocacy helped spark consultations on Talent Agent Regulations and led to an update to the Ontario Diving Operations Regulation. A number of ICA advertising agencies have returned to engaging union performers. This is progress. Help turn it into lasting gains.

Why run for Council

As a Councillor, you have an opportunity to:

• Assist in setting the direction of the largest Performers’ union in the country.
• Learn more about how the union and industry function.
• Support the protection of Performer rights in an AI era and help advance fair compensation.
• Help strengthen organizing, contracts, equity and member services.
• Assist in stewarding transparent and responsible finances.
• Help build the next generation of leadership across every craft and community.

If you can bring ideas, integrity and a collaborative spirit, there is a potential seat for you. New voices and seasoned hands are equally needed. Background, principal, voice, stunt, young and veteran members alike – your lived experience belongs at the table.

Get ready to put your name forward

Review the ACTRA Toronto Council Election Guide and By-Laws to understand the role, nomination process, and campaign rules. Talk to a colleague. Most of all, run.

Key dates

• Tuesday, September 23, 2025 – Council election launches at 10 a.m. ET with nomination form and rules.
• Monday, October 6, 2025 – Deadline to submit nomination forms, headshots, and statements.
• Friday, October 31, 2025 – Voting credentials distributed by email and online voting opens.
• Tuesday, November 11, 2025 – Online voting closes.

Voting and results

ElectionBuddy, an independent online voting platform, will conduct the 2025 ACTRA Toronto Council Election. Eligible voters can expect a secure, anonymous, and reliable voting process. Because the vote is conducted by a third party, ACTRA Toronto will not know who has voted.

Election results will be posted on the ACTRA Toronto website by November 15, 2025. Results will include the total number of eligible voters, candidate names, ballots cast for each candidate, spoiled ballots, and overall voter turnout.

Your move

Put your name forward. Ask a colleague to do the same. Lend your voice, your craft and your courage over the next two years to help shape ACTRA Toronto. Let’s lead this industry change on our terms.

The Election Committee 2025

The Election Committee provides oversight and direction to ensure the election process is conducted in accordance with the ACTRA Toronto and ACTRA National By-Laws. Members of the Election Committee have agreed they will not run for Council nor nominate any candidate in the 2025 ACTRA Toronto election.

Chief Electoral Officer: ACTRA Toronto Executive Director

Committee Members: Kanja Chen, Pamela Estrada, Jay T Schramek, Louisa Zhu

To contact the ACTRA Toronto Election Committee, please e-mail: elections@actratoronto.com.

From the Election Committee:
During ACTRA Toronto Council elections, candidates and members are expected to campaign respectfully. Making false statements that harm another person’s reputation is called defamation. If it’s spoken, it’s slander; if it’s written or posted online, it’s libel. Harassment means repeatedly targeting someone with hostile or offensive behaviour, while bullying is using words or actions to hurt, embarrass, or control someone, including online. In short: keep campaigns truthful, respectful, and free of personal attacks.

Voting Eligibility

All ACTRA Toronto Full members in good standing as of October 17, 2025, are eligible to vote in the 2025 ACTRA Toronto Council Election.

The ACTRA Toronto Council

ACTRA Toronto is an independent branch or local union of ACTRA, the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists. It is governed by a Council of elected ACTRA Toronto Members with the support of union staff, in accordance with the ACTRA Toronto By-Laws and the ACTRA National Constitution and ACTRA National By-Laws.

ACTRA Toronto Council is composed of twenty-four (24) ACTRA Toronto members in good standing, elected every two years by all full members as described in Article 4 of the ACTRA Toronto By-Laws.

To learn more about ACTRA Toronto Council and its function, please review the Leadership Structure webpage. 

2025 ACTRA Toronto Council Election – Timeline