Together, ACTRA, the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) are mobilizing our more than 50,000 members across Canada to attend all-candidates’ meetings and town halls from now until the federal election on October 21.

Cast, crew and creators from Canada’s film and television industry are banding together for the Just Ask campaign, calling on members to pledge to attend one election-related event this fall and to ask federal candidates/potential representatives in all 338 ridings at least one question on key issues facing our industry.

Will candidates and political parties support the modernization of Canadian broadcasting rules for the digital era? We encourage you to Just Ask.

Canadian stories are at stake in this election. We must be able to continue to tell our stories in the digital age.

“Creative industry workers are seeking out candidates from all political parties to Just Ask them where they stand on supporting a strong Canadian film and TV industry,” said David Sparrow, ACTRA National President. “With original Canadian programming like Letterkenny, Anne with an E and Schitt’s Creek finding audiences around the world, we’ll be asking federal election candidates to share their plans to ensure the continued growth of our Canadian entertainment industry.”

Visit “justask2019.ca” (“jemimplique2019.ca”) to take the pledge, sign-up for updates, and find out about the key issues facing our industry. For example, funding of cultural agencies, film and video production tax credits, copyright protection, support for CBC/Radio Canada, protections for precarious workers, and promoting diversity in the cultural sector are all important issues affecting our members and the industry. Backgrounders and sample questions will be available on the site in the coming weeks.

Members are encouraged to share candidate answers on social media using #justask2019 (#jemimplique2019) to track commitments.

We need to make our voices heard in as many places as possible. Take the pledge to Just Ask!

Related stories:

Unions representing live-entertainment sector to put pressure on federal election candidates with Just Ask campaign (sub).

Canada’s film and TV workers launch political pressure campaign ahead of federal election.

Actors, directors, crew, to hit the campaign trail to hold politicians feet to the fire (sub).

Industry orgs launch Just Ask to voice federal election concerns.