Make Your Voice Heard in the 2025 Ontario Election
Election Day is Thursday, February 27!
As performers and artists, our work is deeply impacted by government policies. From stable tax credits to investments in domestic content, the choices made by elected officials shape the future of our industry. This election is an opportunity to make sure our voices are heard and that Ontario remains a thriving hub for film, television and digital media production.
Are You Registered to Vote?
Visit the Elections Ontario website to check your voter registration and find information on where and how to vote, including early voting and mail-in ballot options. You can also download the Elections Ontario app for up-to-date election details.
Registering to Vote:
- To be eligible to vote, you must be 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen and a resident of Ontario.
- Confirm, update or add your voter information to the Register by Monday, February 17 to receive a voter information card in the mail with information on when and where to vote. Voter information cards will be in the mail from February 17 to 22.
How to Vote:
There are multiple ways to submit your ballot:
- VOTE BY MAIL: Apply to vote by mail before Friday, February 21 at 6 p.m. ET to receive your voting kit by mail. Elections Ontario must receive your completed voting kit by 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 27 to be counted. Your voting kit will include a write-in ballot on which you will have to write the candidate’s given name (or initials) and surname.
- EARLY VOTING (ELECTION OFFICE): Vote in person at your local election office from Thursday, January 30 to 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 26. Remember to bring your ID.
- ADVANCE VOTING: Vote at any advance voting location in your electoral district from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET from February 20 to 22. Remember to bring your ID.
- ELECTION DAY VOTING: Vote at your assigned voting location on election day.
Source: Elections Ontario website
How do I find my riding/electoral district and who are my local candidates?
In Ontario, citizens vote directly for someone to represent them as a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP). Your ballot will have a list of candidates vying to represent your electoral district in the Ontario Legislature. ACTRA Toronto encourages its members to find out who’s running what they stand for.
Get Involved: Advocate for Our Industry
Your local candidates need to hear from you! Let them know that a strong, sustainable film and television industry matters. Here’s how you can engage:
- Attend a local all-candidates meeting and ask about their support for our sector.
- Speak with candidates when they come knocking—ask about their commitment to the arts.
- Email candidates in your riding and ask about their commitments to the arts.
- Visit a campaign office and connect with the teams shaping policies that impact our industry.
Why It Matters:
Ontario’s world-class film and television industry contributed $7.8 billion in direct spending to the provincial economy over the past three years. That investment supports small businesses, creates nearly 45,000 jobs and ensures performers, crew and creatives have a stable, thriving workplace.
Ontario’s talented and diverse workforce brings stories to life in productions like Schitt’s Creek, Murdoch Mysteries, Shoresy and Late Bloomer, as well as major international hits such as Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Reacher and The Handmaid’s Tale. Our ability to create great Canadian content while working on globally renowned projects is a major asset to this province.
Election Platform Commitments
(Check back regularly for updates as platforms are released.)
- Green Party: Platform not yet released.
- Liberal Party: Platform not yet released. Policy announcements available here.
- NDP: Platform not yet released. Commitments available here.
- Progressive Conservative Party: Platform not yet released. News releases available here.
What to Ask Your Local Candidates
When speaking with candidates, here are some key questions to ask:
✅ Does your party support stable, competitive film and television tax credits?
✅ Will your party invest in domestic content creation, ensuring diverse Canadian stories reach audiences?
✅ Will your party support training programs tailored to our industry’s unique needs?
✅ How will your party help Ontario remain a top destination for film and television production?
You can also review the FilmOntario 2025 Ontario Budget Submission for key industry priorities.
Email Candidates
Campaign Office Visits: A Simple but Impactful Action
Want to make a difference in just 10 minutes? Stop by a local campaign office! These offices are full of volunteers and future decision-makers. A quick visit to introduce yourself, share your perspective as an industry professional, and express your appreciation for their engagement can go a long way.
How to Approach a Visit:
- Introduce yourself:
“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a professional performer in Ontario. I wanted to stop by and wish you luck in the upcoming election.” - Share a bit about your work:
Mention a recent project or experience that showcases the importance of our industry. - Encourage continued support:
“Ontario’s film and television industry has benefited from all-party support in the past, and we hope that continues after the election.”
This small action helps remind candidates that the arts community is engaged and watching.
Political engagement strengthens our industry and ensures that the needs of performers are front and center in policy decisions. Every conversation counts—let’s make sure our voices are heard!
Digital/Printable Assets
I voted! social graphic
Click on the graphic below to download and share on social!
‘Please knock’ sign
Post this “please knock” sign and ask any candidates who drop around to make four commitments on the issues that affect workers in our industry. Click the image to download the sign in PDF format.
