TORONTO – The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) has launched a campaign to encourage its 22,000-plus membership to vote in the upcoming October 19 federal election.
Members are encouraged to help ‘cast our next government’ by making a pledge to vote on election day, and ACTRA will send them an automated text on October 19 reminding them of their pledge. The campaign includes information such as candidate details, party platforms specific to cultural issues, and additional election-specific resources, to help members make an educated decision when selecting a candidate who will support Canada’s cultural industry.
The initiative also includes social media messaging from various ACTRA members, including Sandra Oh, (pictured) Rick Howland and Julian Richings, who posed for photos urging their fellow members to vote. The campaign hashtag – #castyourfuture – is also included in these messages.
“Elections are an opportunity to audition candidates and political parties on the issues that are important to us,” said ACTRA national president Ferne Downey, in the news release. “As citizens, it’s critical that we elect a government that understands the role a vibrant Canadian film, TV and digital media industry plays in our society. We create jobs, fuel our economy, engage and entertain our audiences, and strengthen our national cultural identity. And – we love Canada.”
ACTRA is the national union of professional performers working in the English-language recorded media in Canada.
