Equity is proud to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026—a milestone marking five decades of advocating for and advancing the working lives of professional artists across Canada’s live performance sector.
Since its founding, Equity has played a vital role in shaping a more equitable industry through collective bargaining, advocacy, and the strength of a united membership spanning the country.
Council President Scott Bellis reflected on the significance of this moment:
“Fifty years ago, something fantastic happened in Canada. Artists working in live performance took their first steps into a new era of empowerment by forming Canadian Actors’ Equity Association. So began our ongoing mission to lift the working lives of artists from coast to coast, through bargaining, advocacy and the sheer force of our collective will.
Today, we are a vibrant national community of more than 6,000 artists working with passion and dedication to enrich the cultural fabric of this country through the inspirational art of live performance.
This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come, celebrate and honour the accomplishments of the members on whose shoulders we stand, and support the next generation of artists who will carry this work forward.
The work continues. We are many, we are diverse, and we are one. Happy Anniversary, Equity.”
A Canadian branch of U.S.-based Actors’ Equity Association was first established in 1954. As the live performance sector evolved, so too did Canadian Equity – culminating on April 1, 1976, when members voted to form an independent Canadian Actors’ Equity Association.
Executive Director Alex Levine shared:
“I’m honoured and proud to be working for Equity and its members as we reach this incredible milestone. For fifty years, this small but mighty organization has empowered live performance artists across the country.
I’ve had the privilege of meeting many members and have been continually inspired by your passion—not only for your craft, but for one another. That solidarity is the lifeblood of this association.
On this 50th anniversary, we celebrate you—our members, past and present—and look ahead to building an even stronger future together.”
Throughout 2026, Equity will mark its 50th anniversary with opportunities to reflect, celebrate, and continue strengthening the community that has defined it for half a century.