Toronto, ON – ACTRA Toronto and some of its best known actors met with MPPs today to request their support for legislative measures which they want to see addressed in the upcoming provincial election to ensure the entertainment industry and its workers can continue to thrive.

 ACTRA Toronto asked all parties to support a commitment to protect child performers; to amend the Status of Ontario’s Artists Act so that it meets the economic and collective bargaining needs of artists; and to support the film, television and new media industries through continued and further application of the tax credit program.

“Recently, the Ontario Media Development Corporation reported that our industry contributed $964 million to the provincial economy in 2010, accounting for more than 23,000 jobs,” said Heather Allin, President of ACTRA Toronto. “Through their underpaid time, talent and commitment, Ontario’s artists provide, without doubt, the largest subsidy to our cultural industries”.

Recent studies show that artists earn, on average, just $24,500 a year - 38% less than the average for other workers.

Dalmar Abuzeid, who started working on “Degrassi: TNG” at the age of 13, said, “Unlike other workplaces, our industry needs to employ kids and for that reason, governments need to be extra vigilant to make sure they are protected.”

Art Hindle spoke about his impatience with a stalled Status of Ontario’s Artists Act. “We were told the Status of Ontario’s Artists Act was a starting point, something to be built on. Well, it’s now four years later and it’s well past time to get building.”

On the need for tax fairness for artists, Janet-Laine Green, the star of “She’s the Mayor“ noted that, “We can be required to pay huge taxes for the previous year when we are earning a poverty level income in the current year“.

The lobbyists also included Cle Bennett, Jim Codrington, Jayne Eastwood, Tabby Johnson, Jamie Johnston, Sarah Manninen, Debra McGrath, Colin Mochrie, Julie Stewart and many more.

ACTRA Toronto is the largest organization within ACTRA, representing over 15,000 of Canada’s 21,000 professional performers working in the English-language recorded media in Canada.  As an advocate for Canadian culture since 1943, ACTRA is a member-driven organization that continues to secure rights and respect for the work of professional performers.

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For more information:

Karen Woolridge, ACTRA Toronto Public Relations Officer

P: 416.642.6710

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