Make Your Voice Heard in the 2025 Federal Election

Election Day is Monday, April 28, 2025!

As performers and artists, our work is deeply impacted by government policies. From investing in the creative sectors to regulation of Artificial Intelligence, 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 Canada remains strong in film, television and digital media production.

Are You Registered to Vote?

Visit the Elections Canada website to check your voter registration and find information on where and how to vote, including early voting and mail-in ballot options.

Registering to Vote:

• To be eligible to vote, you must be 18 years of age and a Canadian citizen.
• Confirm, update, or add your voter information to the Register by April 22 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 beginning the second week of April.

How to Vote:

There are multiple ways to submit your ballot:

• VOTE BY MAIL: Apply to vote by mail before April 22 at 6 p.m. ET to receive your voting kit by mail
• EARLY VOTING (ELECTION OFFICE): Vote in person at your local election office until 6pm on April 22. Remember to bring your ID.
• ADVANCE VOTING: Vote at any advance voting location in your electoral district from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET from April 18 to 21. Remember to bring your ID.
• ELECTION DAY VOTING: Vote at your assigned voting location on election day.

Source: Elections Canada website

How do I find my riding/electoral district, and who are my local candidates?

In Canada, citizens vote directly for someone to represent them as a Member of Parliament (MP). Your ballot will have a list of candidates vying to represent your electoral district in the House of Commons. 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.
• Visit a campaign office and connect with the teams shaping policies that impact our industry.

Why It Matters:

Last year, Canada’s screen-based industry contributed almost $10 billion in production volume to the country’s GDP and provided almost 180,000 jobs. The province of Ontario was a significant driver of this production, accounting for 32% of all Canadian content production and 27% of foreign service production in the country.

Election Platform Commitments

We’ll publish various party platforms and commitments about Film and Television once they become available. Stay tuned!

What to Ask Your Local Candidates

When speaking with candidates, here are some key questions to ask:

1. What will your party do to ensure Canadian stories and voices continue to be seen and heard — especially in the digital age?

• With global streamers dominating, Canadian content risks being drowned out in our own market. We need enforceable rules on visibility and investment.
• Canadian stories help define who we are — to ourselves and to the world. Supporting them is both cultural and economic policy.
• This isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about making sure the next generation of Canadians grows up seeing themselves reflected on screen.

2. Will your party commit to protecting and strengthening Canada’s cultural institutions?

• Cultural institutions like museums, libraries, archives, and performance spaces preserve our national story and local pride — they are not luxuries, they’re legacies.
• These institutions contribute to civic education, tourism, and the economy — especially in smaller communities where they’re vital to local identity.
• The role of cultural institutions in strengthening national unity is imperative. That legacy must be preserved and expanded.

3. Does your party recognize culture and the creative sector as a nation-building priority?

• The arts are not a side hustle — they are a major economic driver, employing hundreds of thousands and contributing billions to GDP.
• Culture fosters civic connection, innovation, and resilience. It’s a unifier in polarized times.
• Investing in culture is like investing in infrastructure — it strengthens the country from the inside out.

4. How will your party protect Canadian performers and creators from the misuse of artificial intelligence?

• AI can now replicate voices, faces, and performances — often without consent or compensation. This poses serious threats to livelihoods, privacy, and identity rights.
• We need clear, enforceable protections in law that respect the rights of performers and creators to control their image,

Watch a Leaders’ Debate

Dates have been set for the party leaders’ debates. The main English-language debate, moderated by Steve Paikin, will broadcast on April 17 at 7 p.m. ET. A French-language debate will be held on April 16 at 9 p.m. ET, moderated by Patrice Roy. Check your local television listings or online news outlets for livestreams.

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:

1. Introduce yourself:
   “Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a professional performer. I wanted to stop by and wish you luck in the upcoming election.”
2. Share a bit about your work:
   Mention a recent project or experience that showcases the importance of our industry.
3. Encourage continued support:
   “Canada’s film and television sector 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!