Canada’s major actors union is calling on the federal government to increase support for domestic film and television production following Donald Trump’s recent endorsement of a federal tax credit for the U.S. entertainment industry. ACTRA national president Eleanor Noble stated in a statement on Tuesday that maintaining focus on Canadian-produced content remains essential. The union emphasized the need for the country to develop its own media ecosystem independent of reliance on foreign productions.
ACTRA Toronto, the union’s largest branch, separately urged Ontario’s provincial government to enhance the value of its film tax credit to remain competitive with other jurisdictions. The branch president noted that both Canadian and international productions represent a critical revenue stream for members, and called for a balanced approach to attract investment while supporting domestic storytelling and performer employment. These calls build on earlier advocacy efforts that began in early 2025, when British Columbia increased its own incentives and New Jersey introduced one of the most substantial state tax credit programs.
The union’s position reflects broader concerns about production migration across the Canada-U.S. border. While ACTRA acknowledges that American film and television projects have historically provided significant employment for Canadian performers, crews, and support industries, the union warned that dependence on foreign production alone creates long-term vulnerabilities. The union cautioned that without strengthening Canadian storytelling and production capacity, the country risks either losing work if American productions remain domestic due to enhanced U.S. incentives, or becoming overly reliant on a single foreign client.
These developments occur against the backdrop of escalating trade tensions between Canada and the United States. Negotiations broke down in late August after disagreements emerged over French-language content regulations that affect operating costs for U.S. companies seeking access to Quebec’s market. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney characterized the dispute as an attack on cultural and national identity, indicating the resolution of the trade dispute remains uncertain.
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