June 30, 2025 — Equity is pleased to announce the launch of Staying Safe: A Guide to Handling Hot Temperatures in the Workplace, providing artists with tips for preventing, recognizing, and addressing heat-related dangers in the workplace. Created by Equity’s Physical Health & Safety Task Force (PHS), the Guide is the first in a planned series about Staying Safe in the Workplace.
To coincide with the Guide’s launch, Equity has created an anonymous feedback form for members to share any heat-related stories about safety concerns in the workplace. The more we know about the challenges our members face, the more we can do to address them. Click here to share your workplace heat safety feedback.
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June 26, 2025 — Equity is pleased to announce the National Arts Centre Special Events Agreement (NACSEA) and National Arts Centre Music Department Agreement (NACMDA) have been ratified. Thank you to all who voted! Eligible members of Equity voted 100% in support of the proposed changes to the Special Events Agreement with a voting return rate of 25%, and 100% in support of the proposed changes to the Music Department Agreement with a voting return rate of 28%. The ratified terms of the NACSEA and NACMDA will each come into effect immediately, retroactive to September 1, 2024. . An updated version of the agreement will be available soon.
June 12, 2025 — Equity is pleased to announce an update to its contract flexibility program. Originally launched in 2023 to support senior artists as they pursue their work on stage, the program has now been expanded to include disabled artists and will be rebranded as Equity’s Senior and Disabled Artist Program.
The Program aims to address challenges that include limited professional opportunities, health concerns that could have an impact on the ability to handle the usual work schedule, and issues performing with amateur or community theatres, where the schedule may be more appropriate to a senior or disabled artist’s needs.
June 9, 2025 — Equity is pleased to announce the Les Grands Ballets Canadiens Agreement has been ratified. Thank you to all who voted! Eligible members of Equity voted 100% in support of the proposed changes with a voting return rate of 46%. The ratified terms will come into effect July 1, 2025. An updated version of the agreement will be available soon.
May 20, 2025 — Equity is pleased to announce the launch of a revised Dance • Opera • Theatre (DOT) Engagement Policy, the new terms coming into effect August 4, 2025.
After a thorough review process, a number of amendments have been made to significantly improve working conditions for members under the DOT, including: The DOT Engagement Policy includes minimum fees and other provisions for non-standard, small-scale engagements in dance, opera, and theatre, in addition to Equity members working at educational institutions.
May 12, 2025 — Canadian Actors’ Equity Association is excited to announce Alex Levine’s appointment as its new Executive Director. A labour leader, entertainment lawyer, award-winning screenwriter and television producer, Levine officially assumes his duties May 20, 2025, succeeding Arden R. Ryshpan in the role she has held at Equity for over 17 years.
Levine’s previous experience includes over a decade at Writers Guild of Canada as a Delegate, Councillor, Treasurer, and finally, President and Chief Spokesperson. During his tenure as President, he steered the WGC through a leadership transition as well as challenging labour negotiations that necessitated the WGC’s historic first Strike Authorization Vote. Read more...
Equity invites you to attend a Member Orientation Session. The two-hour course is meant to provide participants with an understanding of Equity’s core responsibilities, an overview of how collective agreements work, a summary of their benefits, and an awareness of their rights and responsibilities as members of the Association.
Members can register to attend an upcoming Member Orientation Session by clicking here. Read more...