Equity News

Equity Welcomes Ron Kennell to Council

EDIB Workshop December 1, 2022 - Equity is pleased to announce the appointment of Ron Kennell to Equity Council as a representative of the Ontario region. An Equity member for nearly 30 years, Ron is a performer and director working in theatre, film, TV, video games and commercials.

His appointment comes following Ruby Joy’s decision to resign, having recently accepted a position with ACTRA as a National Advisor.

Please join us in welcoming Ron to Equity Council and feel free to reach out to him at ronk@caea.com. Read more...

Considering Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Recording Now Available

EDIB Workshop November 29, 2022 - We are pleased to announce that a recording of Considering Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) in Your Work, a workshop designed to help both artists and engagers understand the importance of valuing EDIB in creating and producing cultural work, is now available.

Visit our youtube channel to check out this video and other workshops in our professional development series. Read more...

2022 Equity Office Holiday Closure

2022 Holiday Office Closure November 28, 2022 - This holiday season is an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable resilience and perseverance of our membership. On behalf of Equity staff, we sincerely wish our members a safe and happy holiday season, and we look forward to what 2023 has to bring!.

Please be advised, Equity offices will be closed from Thursday, December 21, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. local time (Toronto and Vancouver), re-opening Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. local time. Read more...

Equity's Agreement Negotiations & Engagement Policies Under Review in 2023.

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November 22, 2022 - Following a very busy year of bargaining that included the renegotiation of six agreements and updating of the Dance, Opera, Theatre Policy, the negotiation schedule for 2023 is already shaping up.

Equity members who have worked under an agreement or policy listed below are encouraged to contribute to the negotiation or review process. Your experience working under these agreements is invaluable to the negotiation process in determining what advancements are needed. Read more...

Canadian Opera Agreement Ratified

OPA November 17, 2022 - Equity is pleased to announce the ratification of the Canadian Opera Agreement (COA), negotiated with the Canadian Opera Company. The ratified terms of the COA take effect retroactively from July 1, 2022 and will remain in place until June 30, 2025.

The changes demonstrate significant improvements in the areas of fees, safety, and scheduling, as well as a stronger commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the industry. Read more...

Equity Concludes Negotiations with the Vancouver Opera, Ratification Commences

OPA November 14, 2022 - Equity is pleased to announce a successful conclusion to negotiations with the Vancouver Opera. Ratification of the Vancouver Opera Agreement (VOA) will commence November 21, 2022 for all Equity members eligible to vote on the proposed changes.

Information on this ratification vote will be available at www.caea.com (members only) once the ratification period commences. The deadline to vote is December 12, 2022 at noon PT. Read more...

Notice of Bylaw Update – October 2022

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November 7, 2022 - At its online meeting on October 31, 2022, Council amended Bylaw 39 and 40. These amendments came at the recommendation of a Council working group recently struck to consider the qualification requirements for dues remission under Equity’s Constitution & Bylaws. Read more...

Equity Stands in Solidarity with CUPE Ontario

November 4, 2022 - Equity believes in the right of all workers to bargain collectively for fair wages and working conditions. We stand in solidarity with @CUPEOntario and other Canadian labour organizations in their condemnation of the Ontario government’s attack on their constitutional rights.

World Ballet Day

CANCOM November 2, 2022 - November 2nd marks World Ballet Day! Join Equity as we reflect on and applaud the incredible work of ballet professionals across the globe.

Celebrate this year’s World Ballet Day by tuning into World Ballet Day Live for an insider’s view into the top dance companies around the globe – including our very own National Ballet of Canada! This free live stream is a unique opportunity to see ballet’s biggest stars at work and an excellent way to recognize the tremendous contributions of our ballet community!

2022-2025 Opera Agreement Now Available

OPA October 28, 2022 - Equity is pleased to announce that the 2022-2025 Opera Agreement (OPA) is now available for download here.

The revised terms and conditions, in effect as of July 1, 2022, demonstrate improvements in the areas of fees, safety, stage management, diverse representation under the OPA and more. Read more...

2022-2023 National Ballet of Canada Agreement Now Available

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October 27, 2022 - Equity is pleased to announce that the 2022-2023 National Ballet of Canada Agreement (NBCA) is now available online. Download a copy of the agreement here.

The decision was made to extend the previous agreement one more year with a 2% increase to all weekly fees as well as increased fees for Apprentice Dancers. Read more...

Notice Regarding Compass Artist Management

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October 26, 2022 - Equity is aware of the recent reports regarding Compass Artist Management’s failure to pay their clients. So far, we’ve had no complaints from members regarding this matter for work under Equity’s jurisdiction, but in the event that there are outstanding fees owed by Compass on Equity contracts, please let us know.

World Opera Day

CANCOM October 25, 2022 - October 25th is World Opera Day! We thank all of the wonderful opera performers out there for the joy they bring to audiences, and for their exceptional artistry and dedication.

In celebration of this year’s Opera Day, we’ve invited Equity Western Opera Councillor Rebecca Collett and Eastern Opera Councillor Gene Wu to share a few words on what this day means to them. Read more...

Equity COA Deal Reached, Ratification Commences

OPA October 21, 2022 - Equity is pleased to announce a successful conclusion to negotiations with the Canadian Opera Company. Ratification of the Canadian Opera Agreement (COA) will commence November 1, 2022 for all Equity members eligible to vote on the proposed changes.

Information on this ratification vote will be available at www.caea.com (members only) prior to the start of the vote. The deadline to vote is November 17, 2022 at noon ET. Read more...

A Free National Comedy Program By Comedy Artists, For Comedy Artists

CANCOM October 20, 2022 - As a member of the live performing arts community, Equity is pleased to invite you to participate in the CANCOM Comedy Symposium, a new initiative funded by Heritage Canada. This new national Professional Development Program for Comedy Artists & Workers is completely FREE!

This is a unique opportunity to have a Canada wide platform for meaningful dialogue around the biggest concerns and questions that truly impact everyone in the comedy industry, no matter the stage of their career, with a goal of education and positive change. Read more...

Register for Considering Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging in your Work

RWP October 19, 2022 - Equity invites you to join us online on Monday, November 14th at 2:00 p.m. (ET) for Considering Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging in your Work (EDIB), a workshop designed to help both artists and engagers understand the importance of valuing EDIB in creating and producing cultural work.

This workshop is open to both members of Equity and creators in the live performance industry. Register here.

Announcing the Equity Honours 2022 Honorees

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October 18, 2022 - Equity is very pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 Honours Awards! The Honours Awards recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of Equity members and other artists in our industry.

To learn more about the recipients and the EQ Honours Awards, click here.

2022-2024 Stratford Addendum Now Available

October 3, 2022 - Equity is pleased to announce that the 2022-2024 Stratford Addendum is now available online for download here.

The revised terms and conditions, in effect retroactively as of January 1, 2022, include important advancements in the areas of protection, inclusiveness, finance, work-life balance, and digital media rights, in addition to general rate increases of 1.75% (retroactive to Feb. 1, 2022), 2.00% (effective Dec. 1, 2022), and 2.00% (effective Dec. 1, 2023). Read more...

Check Out Equity's Latest Council Connect Video

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October 3, 2022 - Check out Equity's latest Council Connect video featuring Equity Council Second Vice-President Ryan G Hinds, for important news on issues that matter to you!

A copy of the Council Connect script is available here for those with accessibility needs

Equity Recognizes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day

RWP September 30, 2022 - September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day, is intended to recognize and raise awareness about the history and legacy of the residential school system in Canada. Read more...

Equity’s Mental Health & Wellness Program

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To improve the emotional wellbeing of members, Equity has once again partnered with LifeWorks (already familiar to membership as our existing online platform supporting wellbeing), to provide a short-term customized Mental Health & Wellness assistance program geared to mental, financial, physical, and emotional wellbeing.

All members in good standing can access the program here.

Equity Says Goodbye to Lynn McQueen

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September 7, 2022 - It is with profound sadness that Equity announces the passing of Lynn McQueen, Equity Projects Director.

Lynn began her career as an Equity stage manager in 1988 and was an active member of the Equity Stage Management Committee before joining Equity’s staff in 1998. In many ways, she followed in the footsteps of her father Jim, a prominent leader of the Ontario teachers' labour movement fiercely advocating for the rights of Equity members as a Business Representative, Director of Communications, and most recently, Projects Director. More...

Equity Celebrates Labour Day

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September 5, 2022 - September 5th is Labour Day! As an association that advocates for fair working conditions and work opportunities for artists engaged in theatre, opera, and dance, we recognize Labour Day by applauding the outstanding contributions of artists working in live performance. Read more.

Equity Receives Funding Through the Canada Performing Arts Workers Resilience Fund

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August 31, 2022 - Equity is pleased to announce that the Association is the recipient of funding for two activities under the Canada Performing Arts Workers Resilience Fund (CPAWRF) provided by Canadian Heritage as part of its 2022-2023 budget. Read more...

Equity Welcomes Steven Sobolewski to Council

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August 23, 2022 - Equity is pleased to announce the appointment of Steven Sobolewski to Equity Council, joining Secretary-Treasurer Erin Valentine in representing the Stage Management sector. A proud mixed-Filipino artist, Steven is based in Amiskwaciwâskahikan, on Treaty 6 Territory, and has a deep passion for safer spaces and anti-racist theatre-making. Read more here.

Extension to Filing Fees Expiration Period

August 9, 2022 - Acknowledging the impact of the global pandemic and subsequent shutdown of the live performance industry, Equity will exclude the period of time from March 2020 to March 2022 in determining the three-year expiration date for filing fees credited towards the initiation fee, as per Bylaw 21 (A). Read more here.

Equity Contracts Reminder

July 28, 2022 - A friendly reminder to all Equity members and industry partners that Equity’s contracts were designed to be filled and signed using the free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, available here for download. Read more here.

Drabinsky Do Not Work Notice

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July 20, 2022 - Embroiled in a legal dispute with producer Garth Drabinsky over failure to meet his obligations on the project Paradise Square, as well as allegations of bullying, American Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) has added Mr. Drabinsky’s name to their “Do Not Work” list. Read more...

Equity Supports ACTRA Performers Working in Commercials

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July 8, 2022 - As the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) continues its labour dispute with the Institute of Canadian Agencies (ICA), Equity calls on our members to stand in solidarity with your fellow Canadian artists in their efforts to secure fair and equitable wages and working conditions for their work in commercials across the country. Read more here.

COVID-19 Relief Funding Now Available for Artists in the Live Performing Arts Sector

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July 6, 2022 - Direct financial assistance is now available to support all of Equity's disciplines through several organizations dispersing funding from the Canada Performing Arts Workers Resilience Fund provided by Canadian Heritage.

In Memoriam

June 17, 2022 - Remembering those who inspired us, guided us, and touched our lives has long been an honoured tradition at Equity. Among the many ways the pandemic has impacted our Association over the past couple of years, has been our struggle to recognize and celebrate the lives of members we have lost – profoundly more imperative at a time when we have lost so many.

Support Equity and Your Fellow Members

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June 7, 2022 - Many of Equity’s initiatives rely on the volunteer contributions of members just like you! Are you interested in volunteering for an Equity initiative?

Equity Announces Updated Service Standards Policy and Feedback Form

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June 9, 2022 - Equity is proud to announce the release of an updated Service Standards Policy, detailing Equity’s continuing commitment to deliver optimum service to members and others who interact with the Association. In addition, a new, easy to use, online submission form is now available for members to provide instant feedback on their experience with Equity.

Les Grands Ballets Agreement Ratified

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June 7, 2022 - Equity is pleased to announce the ratification of the Les Grands Ballets Agreement (LGBA). Eligible members of Equity voted 100% in support of the proposed changes with a voting return rate of 48.9%.

Equity and Coalition Partners Support Artists’ Bill

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May 9, 2022 - Equity and its partners in the Creative Industries Coalition have expressed support for Bill S-208, Declaration on the Essential Role of Artists and Creative Expression in Canada, presented by The Honourable Senator Patricia Bovey and currently before the Senate of Canada.

Updates to Fee Calculators and Rate Sheets for Insurance Premiums

April 27, 2022 - Equity's fee calculators will be updated as of May 2, 2022 to reflect the new insurance premium rates. A revised rate sheet is available here.

Council Focus Survey Results

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April 26, 2022 - Equity is pleased to share the results of the 2021 Council Focus Survey. Run in conjunction with the 2021 Equity Council Elections, 954 members provided well over 2000 individual answers to the survey’s nine questions – a remarkable response by the membership.

Examining the priorities and ideas presented in the survey will help the Equity leadership and staff in determining the Association’s objectives over the next three years in a number of areas, including bargaining, advocacy, member education, and Council Committee work.

Equity Announces Updated Respectful Workplace Policy

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March 10, 2022 - Equity is proud to announce the release of a new Respectful Workplace Policy (RWP), affirming the Association’s resolute commitment to ensuring safe and respectful workplaces for members and anyone working under Equity’s contracts.

The RWP details the support measures, means of assistance, and resources provided by Equity in its efforts to prevent inappropriate behaviour in the workplace, respond promptly in the case of an incident, and empower artists to speak up on their behalf and on behalf of others without reprisal. Read more...

Member Discounts Through Union Savings

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March 10, 2022 - Who doesn't like paying less?! Equity is very happy to announce a newly updated Members' Advantage Program partnership with Union Savings. As a member of Equity, you and your family can enjoy exclusive discounts on a wide range of products and services through Union Savings, including Auto, Electronics, Entertainment, Fashion, Financial, Home, Insurance, Travel, Wellness, and more! Members can register here.

Announcing updated D·O·T Policy

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March 1, 2022 - Equity is pleased to announce the delivery of an updated Dance·Opera·Theatre Policy (D·O·T). New material terms for the small-scale engagement policy are in effect immediately, to be reviewed again as of January 5, 2025.

Equity Calls for Greater Support of Live Performance Workers in Pre-Budget Consultation Submission

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February 18, 2022 - As part of our ongoing advocacy work, Equity, in conjunction with our Live Performance Coalition partners submitted a report that calls on the government to provide greater support for workers in the live performance arts, an industry that has been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

Equity Council Re-elects Scott Bellis as Council President, Donna Fletcher 1st VP, Erin Valentine Secretary-Treasurer

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January 25, 2022 - At the first meeting of the newly elected Equity Council, actor/director Scott Bellis (B.C. & the Yukon Councillor) was acclaimed for his third term as Council President.

Joining Bellis as Equity Officers will be newly elected First Vice President, Donna Fletcher (Manitoba & Nunavut Councillor) and Secretary-Treasurer, Erin Valentine (Stage Management Councillor). Ryan G. Hinds (Ontario Councillor) continues in the position of Second Vice-President for the first year of the new Council term.

For a complete list of the 2021-2024 Equity Council and their email addresses, visit the Talk to Council page.

New insurance Plan for Equity Members

December 13, 2021 - With the current members’ insurance plan set to expire at the end of the month, Equity is pleased to announce a new interim benefits plan has been negotiated, in effect January 1, 2022 until December 31, 2022. The interim plan will ensure members are provided with uninterrupted coverage for the next year while offering the Association an opportunity to explore options for a long-term solution that best suits the needs of our membership.

An FAQ on the 2022 insurance plan is available here. For a fee sheet listing all of the premiums costs by scale agreement and/or engagement policy, please click here.

Equity Members Elect 2021-2024 Council

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November 25, 2021 - Canadian Actors’ Equity Association is pleased to announce its 2021-2024 Equity Council. The newly formed leadership will take office at their first meeting on January 24 and 25, serving a 3-year term. Election of the available officer positions will take place at the same meeting. Click here for all election results. Learn more...