Current News
Read Proteus Performance's resource for Equity members explaining the current credit crisis and market uncertainty - includes links to related resources for plan members.
Editorial/opinion columns in the Globe & Mail, Toronto Star, National Post and Ottawa Citizen (Canwest News Service) all cite the Conservative Government's stance on arts and culture funding as a pivotal contributor to the party's failure to receive a majority mandate.
Business Representative Gretel Meyer Odell recently left Equity to put her creativity and production skills to work building her own business. In an act of perfect timing, Gretels departure allowed the Association to bring contract Business Representative Robert Scott on as full-time staff in the National Office.
Business Representative David Mann resigned from the Association mid-September to take up the position of Performing Arts Manager at the Evergreen Cultural Centre in Coquitlam, B.C. Western Office Administration Assistant Michele Frazer also recently left Equity in order to devote more time to her family.
Shannon McLelland has taken over her responsibilities. Gretel, Michele and David will be missed by fellow staff, and the many members and engagers whom they have assisted during their service to the Association.
In related staffing news, Business Representative Ian Ross MacDonald is currently on an indefinite leave of absence. Equity has dedicated additional staff resources to ensure high quality and consistent service to members and producers supported by Equitys Western Office.
The Tory Government's recent termination of key funding programs is the latest move in an ideological attack on the arts.
Equity calls on the Government of Canada to ensure stable, multi-year funding for all federal programs in the arts and culture sector.
On August 1 Equity exchanged paper-based membership correspondence with email delivery.
e-search, Equity's web-based digital search tool has been updated to include recently negotiated changes to the RWB Agreement.
Recent upgrades to Equity's email subscription service are now completed. New subscribers may enrol by following the To Subscribe link, or email e-drive for assistance.
 June meeting focuses on the role civil society plays in the implementation of the UNESCO Convention on the diversity of cultural expressions.
A long-overdue Bill to reform Canada's copyright law was tabled in the House of Commons on June 12th. Equity is a member of the Creators Copyright Coalition that advocates for strong copyright legislation ensuring artists and their works are protected.
 Cake-cutting ceremony held in celebration of the Funds golden anniversary. On August 1 Equity is exchanging paper-based membership correspondence with email delivery.
 President Allan Teichman summarizes the 2007 member survey results.
Equity joined the chorus of arts and culture voices across Canada condem-
ning the Conservative government's plan to render certain productions ineligible for film and television tax credits (Bill C-10).
 On February 19th Equity member Daphne Goldrick (Vancouver) was presented with the Larry McCance Award for her outstanding contribution to the Association.
 Equity member Vernon Chapman, Larry McCance Award winner and Chair of the Association from 1967 to 1970 and again in 1974, passed away February 12, 2008. A Celebration of Vernon's Life will be held at PAL (Toronto) on Sunday, June 22 from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
 The B.C. /Yukon CPAG hosts an informational meeting addressing the unique financial issues faced by members of Equity.
Winners of the inaugural Rideau Awards, celebrating achievement in English professional theatre in Ottawa, will take place on Sunday, April 13.
The Creators' Copyright Coalition has released its platform on copyright reform in anticipation of the Canadian governments expected new legislation.
The TAC, in co-operation with Equity, recently sponsored a grant writing workshop for theatre organizations and artist collectives.
A long standing dispute with Theatre Calgary and Alberta Theatre Projects has been resolved. Equity wins arbitration over stage management rights to overtime under Employment Standards legislation in Alberta.
 A documentary film crew recently visited The Performing Arts Lodge (PAL) in Toronto and made a documentary about some of the fascinating characters living there.
 Executive Director Arden Ryshpan presented Jackie Richardson with a Life Member award on December 5th. Jackie was performing in Vancouver during the October Honour Awards presentation. e-search, Equity's web-based digital search tool has been updated to include recently negotiated changes to the COA and OPA.
 Equity is pleased to announce that David Mann, former Artistic Director of Workshop West Theatre (Edmonton) and Sunshine Theatre (Kelowna), has taken up the post of Business Representative in the Western Office. He replaces Ingrid Turk who recently chose to leave her position with the Association to pursue other opportunities.
Members march with IATSE, ACTRA and fellow labour supporters on September 3rd.
The Masterclass, held June 6 - 16 in Ottawa, provided Equity members with a rare opportunity to work with leading directors.
 L to R: Kim Burnett, Ian Ross McDonald and David Mann
David has joined the staff of the Western Office in a three-month contract Business Representative position. He is temporarily replacing Ingrid Turk who is now on leave.
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