Toronto, ON (October 1, 2018) — ACTRA is pleased the federal government stood by its commitment to protect Canadian culture and cultural industries by incorporating and strengthening the cultural exemption in the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, formerly NAFTA).

“Maintaining and enhancing a cultural exemption has been a key priority for ACTRA since the Free Trade Agreement with the U.S. was first negotiated in the 1980s,” said ACTRA National Executive Director Stephen Waddell. “At first glance, what appears to be the inclusion of a broader platform-neutral cultural exemption incorporated into the agreement is a positive step in modernizing this trade deal between two of Canada’s major trading partners.”

ACTRA also welcomes the extension of a creator’s copyright from 50 to 70 years after the creator’s death as well as the agreement to rescind the CRTC’s decision regarding simultaneous substitution during the Super Bowl broadcast by now requiring all programs be treated equally.

Specific details and measures included in the new agreement require further review and analysis after which ACTRA may have further comment.

ACTRA congratulates the federal government on negotiating in Canada’s best interest and standing up for Canadian sovereignty.

To read ACTRA’s original submission to the Canadian government in advance of NAFTA renegotiations, please visit www.actra.ca.

About ACTRA
ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is the national union of professional performers working in the English-language recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents the interests of over 25,000 members across the country – the foundation of Canada’s highly acclaimed professional performing community.

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Media Contact:
Carol Taverner, Public Relations Officer, ACTRA National, tel: 416.644.1519, email: ctaverner@actra.ca