News

Canada Council for the Arts 2024 Annual Public Meeting

Canada Council logo March 13, 2024 - As arts workers in Canada, it's important to stay informed and updated about the work of funding organizations like Canada Council, whose initiatives and grant programs help to support our industry.

Equity members are encouraged to attend the upcoming Canada Council Annual Public Meeting, taking place on Wednesday, March 27th at 4:00 pm EST.

Read more...

Equity Applauds Canada Council Plan to Protect Granting Programs

Canada Council logo March 11, 2024 - In an open letter to the arts community, Canada Council for the Arts Director and CEO, Michelle Chawla announced the Council will cut $9.88 million from its budget by 2026-2027 as part of the government-wide Refocusing Government Spending initiative, but assured the arts community that “these savings will not impact the Council’s regular granting programs nor our operating capacity.”

Read more...

International Women's Day

International Women's Day March 8th is International Women's Day (IWD), a day to celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of women around the world and in the live performance industry!

Originating as a labour movement in the early 1900s, IWD calls for community and collective action in the fight for equality by breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating environments where all women are valued and respected. Read more...

Equity Second City Agreement Ratified

Equity Second City Agreement Ratified February 22, 2024 - Equity is pleased to announce the ratification of the Equity Second City Agreement (ESCA). The ratified terms will take effect immediately, retroactive to January 2, 2023, and will remain in place until January 4, 2026.

Eligible members of Equity voted 100% in support of the proposed changes with a voting return rate of 74%.
Read more...

Equity and Telus Health Part Ways

Haven Helpline

TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks) has announced they will no longer provide incident reporting services, confidential counselling, or other support services via the HAVEN Helpline, ending their relationship with Equity as of February 28, 2024. Members will still be able to report incidents of inappropriate behaviour and access counselling through HAVEN Helpline until the contract with TELUS Health expires at the end of the month.

Equity members are encouraged to report incidents of inappropriate behaviour by email at notinourspace@caea.com and an Equity Respectful Workplace Advisor will follow up. Read more...

Black History Month

Black History Month February is Black History Month! This time is an opportunity to spotlight the outstanding contributions of Black artists and enrich our knowledge of Black History.

Celebrate Black History Month by learning more about organizations working to support and promote Black artists and art across the country: Read more...

Equity Concludes Negotiations with Second City, Ratification Scheduled

ESCA Negotiations Concluded January 30, 2024 - Equity is pleased to announce a successful conclusion to negotiations with Second City. Ratification of the Equity Second City Agreement (ESCA) is scheduled for February 8 - 22, 2024 for all Equity members eligible to vote and a complete list of the proposed changes will be available at www.caea.com (members only) once the ratification period commences.
Read more...

Equity Council Names New Officers

Equity Council New Officers Named

January 30, 2024 - New Officers have been named at Equity Council's first meeting of the year on January 29. Scott Bellis will serve a fourth term as Equity Council President, with Donna Fletcher (Manitoba & Nunavut Councillor) serving her second term as First Vice-President, Allan Teichman (Ontario Councillor) as Second Vice-President, and Helen Knight (Alberta South Councillor) as Secretary-Treasurer.

Read more...

Equity Welcomes Allan Teichman to Council

Allan Teichman headshot

January 29, 2024 - Equity is pleased to announce the appointment of Allan Teichman to Equity Council, as a representative of the Ontario region. A stage manager with nearly 40 years of experience at the Shaw Festival and around the country, Allan has previously served on Equity Council for 15 years, including 11 as President.
Allan’s appointment comes following Omar Alex Khan's resignation, citing a need to focus on his work schedule.
Read More

Workplace Accessibility Awareness as Part of e-Drive Audition Notices

In an effort to promote workplace accessibility awareness in our industry, Equity has added a new requirement for engagers wishing to submit audition notices through our e-Drive system.

As per various provincial requirements for accessibility (known in Ontario as The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005), engagers are now required to include information in audition notices indicating if the audition, rehearsal, and performance spaces are each free of physical barriers.

Read more

 

Happy International Choreographers Day!

International Choreographers Day January 9th marks International Choreographers Day! Today we celebrate the hard work and incredible talent of choreographers, and thank them for the dedication and artistry they contribute to bringing art to life. In honour of this year's International Choreographers Day, we've invited a few Equity choreographers to share what this day and choreography means to them. Read more...

Equity Announces A Members' Guide to Being an Equity Liaison

A Members' Guide to Being an Equity Liaison January 8, 2024 - Equity is proud to announce the release of A Members' Guide to Being an Equity Liaison, a straightforward introduction to the role of a liaison, and tips to make the job easy and beneficial to everyone.

Equity members on the Respectful Workplace Task Force and staff collaborated to create this guide. It’s based on experiences we’ve all had. Let us know if you find it helpful – or if we’ve missed anything. We appreciate and welcome corrections and additions. As our industry keeps changing, we will keep updating. You can let us know your thoughts by emailing communications@caea.com.

The Guide, as well other Liaison resources, can be found here.